JAMB Chemistry 1998 Question 15

Question 15

Water

Potassium tetraoxomanganate (VII) is often added to impure water to

  1. A.reduce organic impurities
  2. B.reduce inorganic impurities
  3. C.destroy bacteria and algae
  4. D.remove permanent hardness.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (destroy bacteria and algae)

Explanation

KMnO4 is a strong oxidizing agent and acts as a disinfectant, killing bacteria and algae in the water.