Q1: New water wells are disinfected with chlorine in the form of

ANS:C - bleaching powder

Bleaching powder, also known as calcium hypochlorite, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(ClO)2. It is a white, granular or powdered solid with a strong chlorine-like odor. Here's an explanation of bleaching powder:

1. Composition:
   • Bleaching powder is composed of calcium hypochlorite, which is a mixture of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2).
   • The calcium hypochlorite component is the active ingredient responsible for its bleaching and disinfecting properties.
2. Bleaching and Disinfecting Properties:
   • Bleaching powder is primarily known for its bleaching properties. It is commonly used as a bleaching agent in the textile industry to whiten fabrics, paper, and other materials.
   • In addition to its bleaching properties, bleaching powder also acts as a powerful disinfectant. It is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and algae, making it useful for disinfecting water supplies, swimming pools, and wastewater treatment facilities.
   • When dissolved in water, bleaching powder releases chlorine gas (Cl2) and hypochlorous acid (HClO), which are strong oxidizing agents that destroy organic matter and pathogens.
3. Applications:
   • Water Treatment: Bleaching powder is used for the disinfection of drinking water supplies, particularly in areas where access to clean water is limited. It helps to kill harmful bacteria and prevent waterborne diseases.
   • Swimming Pools: Bleaching powder is commonly used to disinfect swimming pool water and maintain proper sanitation levels by killing algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
   • Textile Industry: In the textile industry, bleaching powder is used as a bleaching agent to remove color from fabrics and textiles, resulting in a brighter, whiter appearance.
   • Wastewater Treatment: Bleaching powder is sometimes used in wastewater treatment plants to disinfect effluent water before it is discharged into water bodies.
4. Handling and Safety:
   • Bleaching powder should be handled with care as it is a strong oxidizing agent and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
   • When using bleaching powder for disinfection purposes, proper dilution and dosage are important to avoid overexposure to chlorine gas and hypochlorous acid.
   • Storage of bleaching powder should be in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and incompatible substances.