Question detail
What is a potential risk associated with the use of chlorine in water treatment?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Group 7(17), the halogens
Question
- A. It can lead to the formation of harmful by-products
- B. It is ineffective against all pathogens
- C. It increases the water's acidity
- D. It makes the water cloudy
Answer
It can lead to the formation of harmful by-products
Explanation
While chlorine is effective in disinfecting water, it can react with organic matter to form harmful by-products such as trihalomethanes, which pose health risks.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Chlorine's Role
Students often confuse the role of chlorine in water treatment as solely a disinfectant, neglecting its role in oxidation and the formation of chlorinated compounds.
Chlorine acts as a strong oxidizing agent in water treatment. When chlorine is added to water, it reacts to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which kills bacteria and other pathogens. The reaction can be summarized as: Cl2 + H2O ⇌ HOCl + HCl. This shows that chlorine not only disinfects but also contributes to the formation of chlorinated by-products.
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