Question 18
HalogensIf chlorine gas is bubbled into water and then this yellowish-green coloured solution is exposed to bright sunlight for a while:
- A.the solution will give out chlorine gas and hydrogen chloride gas
- B.the solution will produce chlorine gas and oxygen
- C.the solution will give out oxygen thereby producing hypochlorous acid
- D.the solution will give out oxygen gas leaving behind aqueous hydrochloric acid
- E.the solution is decomposed, giving out oxygen, hydrogen and chlorine.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: D (the solution will give out oxygen gas leaving behind aqueous hydrochloric acid)
Explanation
Chlorine water contains HOCl, which sunlight decomposes: 2HOCl → 2HCl + O2. Oxygen is given off and hydrochloric acid remains.