chlorine as a sterilising agent

Question 1

why is chlorine used as a sterilising agent

Answer 1

to kill microbes

Question 2

write the equation for the reaction between Cl2 + H2O

Answer 2

Cl2 + H2O ⇌ HCl + HClO

Cl has been oxidised
Cl2 - 0
HClO - 1

Question 3

What is a disproportionation reaction

Answer 3

where the same element is being oxidised and reduced

Question 4

why is ClO- ion useful

Answer 4

strong oxidising agent
which kills microbes

Question 5

write the balanced symbol equation of the reaction of Cl2 with cold aqeuos NaOH

Answer 5

Cl2 + 2NaOH —> NaCl + NaClO + H20

Question 6

why is NaClO a useful product

Answer 6

it dissolves in water to produce Cl- ion which is a strong oxidising agent

Question 7

list 2 reasons why we use Cl2 to sterilise

Answer 7

1. benefits outweigh the risks
2. low concentration

Question 8

explain why the reaction of Cl2 with cold aqueous NaOH is an important industrial process

Answer 8

produces NaClO salt which can be added to water to produce a solution of ClO- which is a sterilising agent. this is safer than using chlorine gas

Question 9

write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between water and chlorine in direct sunlight

Answer 9

2Cl2 + 2H2O —> 4HCl + O2