Question

Non-metal which is used to sterilize water is:
A. iodine
B. bromine
C. chlorine
D. sulphur

Answer 1

Hint: An element in the periodic table which does not show the characteristics of a metal is called a non metal. Sterilizing an object means to make a substance free from bacteria or other microorganisms.

Complete step by step answer:
Out of the given set of inorganic elements only chlorine has the ability to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. It acts as disinfectant and kills the germs present in water. Thus it leads to healthy water.
Several methods are available to prepare germ free water molecules but the disinfection using chlorine offers a cheap way. The treatment of water with chlorine, results in the precipitation of pathogens. So effectively the best sterilized water is obtained using filtration after chlorine treatment.
Chlorine is also used to sterilize water present in ponds and swimming pools. Excessive use of chlorine however results in itching and rashes in body skin.
Iodine and bromine unlike chlorine does not possess the disinfection properties like chlorine. Chlorine is used as a hypochlorite solution. The hypochlorite solution is very effective against many potent microorganisms.
Sulphur also does not possess disinfection property like chlorine. When sodium hypochlorite dissolves in water two substances formed one is hypochlorous acid and other is hypochlorite ion. The hypochlorite ion is very active in killing the pathogens. It is also referred to as bleach.
Hence the non-metal which is used to sterilize water is chlorine.

So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: The extent of hypochlorite ion in water can be sometimes hazardous to health. It causes burn and swelling of skin and other tissues in the human body. It also causes red eyes and typical chlorine odour. The amount of chlorine used in the swimming pool should be added with proper care.