Question

Chlorine is used in drinking water for
(A) Killing germs
(B) Prevention of pollution
(C) Cleansing
(D) Removing dirt

Answer 1

Hint: At room temperature, chlorine is a gas. It is greenish yellow in colour. It is a highly reactive element. It is a strong oxidising agent. It forms many important compounds like ammonium chloride and sodium chloride (common salt). It is important for our body, which we consume in the form of common salt.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Chlorine is used in water treatment. It is used to disinfect the water and kill germs. This is the reason it is used in swimming pools to keep them clean. By adding chlorine to the water, it kills all the viruses, bacteria, and germs. These pathogens can cause many waterborne diseases for us.

A bacteria is made inactive by chlorine by rupturing its cell membrane. When the cell membrane is weakened, chlorine can enter the cell and interfere with DNA synthesis and cell respiration of bacteria. Chlorine levels of upto 4 milligrams per litre are safe for use. However, overuse of chlorine can be dangerous for many living creatures. Another use of chlorine is in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It can also be used to oxidise metals like iron and manganese.
Correct Option: (A) Killing germs

Note: As chlorine gas is sometimes poisonous, So instead of this, a hypochlorite solution is used. High exposure to chlorine can cause many health problems like nausea, vomiting, cough, chest pain, headache, etc.