Question

Bleaching powder is insoluble in cold water.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint:Chemical name of bleaching powder is calcium hypochlorite. It is represented as ${\text{Ca}}{\left( {{\text{ClO}}} \right)_2}$. It is used for bleaching in textile industries. It is prepared by reacting chlorine gas with slaked lime, \[{\text{Ca}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_2}\].

Complete step by step answer:
Bleaching powder is actually a mixture of some chemicals. The main components involved are calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide. It is usually used to remove stains or colors from cloth surfaces. It is very reactive and should take precaution while handling.

It has a powdery texture.

It is prepared from chlorine gas and calcium hydroxide.
\[{\text{Ca}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_2} + {\text{C}}{{\text{l}}_2} \to {\text{CaOC}}{{\text{l}}_2} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}}\]
Slaked lime Bleaching powder

Strong smell of chlorine is its major property. It is soluble in water. Since it has some impurities present in it, it does not form a clear solution. The reaction of bleaching powder with water is given below:
\[2{\text{CaOC}}{{\text{l}}_2} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} + {\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2} \to {\text{CaC}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {\text{CaC}}{{\text{l}}_2} + 2{\text{HClO}}\]
The solution is in a milky form since it contains calcium carbonate or lime.


Additional information- Bleaching powder slightly irritates the skin. Its pH for domestic uses is 11. When it is concentrated, its pH becomes 13 which is alkaline. It causes skin burns. It is also corrosive. When bleaching powder is reacted with concentrated sulfuric acid, it produces calcium sulfate, chlorine and water.


Note:
Bleaching powder after mixing with dishwasher in warm water can be used to clean old items. It can also be used to remove stains in clothes and as a bathroom cleaner. It is also used to sanitize garden and kitchen tools. Fresh cut flowers can be preserved using bleaching powder. It is added to vase water.