JAMB Chemistry 1979 Question 18

Question 18

Halogens

If chlorine gas is bubbled into water and then this yellowish-green coloured solution is exposed to bright sunlight for a while:

  1. A.the solution will give out chlorine gas and hydrogen chloride gas
  2. B.the solution will produce chlorine gas and oxygen
  3. C.the solution will give out oxygen thereby producing hypochlorous acid
  4. D.the solution will give out oxygen gas leaving behind aqueous hydrochloric acid
  5. 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.