The Following Reaction Represents The Action Of Bleaching. Which Compound Is Responsible For The Bleaching Action In This Reaction?${ Ca(OCl)_2 + H_2O \rightarrow Ca(OH)_2 + Cl_2 }$A. { Ca(OCl)_2 $}$ B. { Cl_2 $}$ C.
Introduction
Bleaching is a chemical process that involves the removal of color from a substance, often resulting in a whiter or clearer appearance. This process is commonly used in various industries, including textiles, paper, and water treatment. In this article, we will delve into the reaction that represents the action of bleaching and identify the compound responsible for this action.
The Reaction
The given reaction is:
In this reaction, calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)_2) reacts with water (H_2O) to produce calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)_2) and chlorine gas (Cl_2).
Understanding the Compounds
Calcium Hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)_2)
Calcium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizing agent that is commonly used as a bleaching agent. It is a white solid that is highly soluble in water. When calcium hypochlorite reacts with water, it releases chlorine gas, which is responsible for the bleaching action.
Chlorine Gas (Cl_2)
Chlorine gas is a highly reactive and toxic gas that is responsible for the bleaching action in the given reaction. It is a strong oxidizing agent that can react with a wide range of substances, including organic compounds, to produce colorless or white products.
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)_2)
Calcium hydroxide is a white solid that is produced as a byproduct of the reaction between calcium hypochlorite and water. It is a weak base that is commonly used in various applications, including construction and water treatment.
The Bleaching Action
The bleaching action in the given reaction is primarily due to the release of chlorine gas (Cl_2). Chlorine gas is a strong oxidizing agent that can react with organic compounds to produce colorless or white products. This reaction is often referred to as oxidation, where the chlorine gas removes the color from the substance by breaking down the chromophores (colored molecules).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the compound responsible for the bleaching action in the given reaction is chlorine gas (Cl_2). Calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)_2) is the primary source of chlorine gas, which is released when it reacts with water. The bleaching action is primarily due to the oxidation reaction between chlorine gas and organic compounds, resulting in the removal of color from the substance.
Answer
The correct answer is:
B.
This answer is based on the understanding of the reaction and the role of chlorine gas in the bleaching action.
Discussion
This reaction is a classic example of a bleaching reaction, where the release of chlorine gas is responsible for the removal of color from a substance. The bleaching action is a complex process that involves the oxidation of organic compounds, resulting in the production of colorless or white products.
Applications
The bleaching reaction represented by the given equation has various applications in various industries, including:
- Textile industry: Bleaching is used to remove color from fabrics and produce white or light-colored products.
- Paper industry: Bleaching is used to remove lignin and other impurities from wood pulp, resulting in a brighter and more durable paper product.
- Water treatment: Bleaching is used to remove organic compounds and other impurities from water, resulting in a cleaner and safer drinking water supply.
Conclusion
Introduction
In our previous article, we discussed the bleaching action and identified the compound responsible for this action. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to further clarify the concepts and provide additional information on the bleaching reaction.
Q&A
Q: What is bleaching?
A: Bleaching is a chemical process that involves the removal of color from a substance, often resulting in a whiter or clearer appearance.
Q: What is the primary source of chlorine gas in the bleaching reaction?
A: The primary source of chlorine gas in the bleaching reaction is calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)_2).
Q: What is the role of chlorine gas in the bleaching action?
A: Chlorine gas is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts with organic compounds to produce colorless or white products, resulting in the removal of color from the substance.
Q: What is the byproduct of the reaction between calcium hypochlorite and water?
A: The byproduct of the reaction between calcium hypochlorite and water is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)_2).
Q: What are the applications of the bleaching reaction?
A: The bleaching reaction has various applications in various industries, including the textile industry, paper industry, and water treatment.
Q: Is chlorine gas a safe substance to handle?
A: Chlorine gas is a highly reactive and toxic gas that requires proper handling and safety precautions to avoid exposure.
Q: Can the bleaching reaction be used to remove color from all types of substances?
A: No, the bleaching reaction is not effective in removing color from all types of substances. It is primarily used to remove color from organic compounds.
Q: What are the advantages of using the bleaching reaction?
A: The advantages of using the bleaching reaction include the ability to remove color from substances, produce white or light-colored products, and improve the appearance of materials.
Q: What are the disadvantages of using the bleaching reaction?
A: The disadvantages of using the bleaching reaction include the potential for environmental pollution, health risks associated with chlorine gas exposure, and the need for proper handling and safety precautions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the bleaching action is a complex process that involves the oxidation of organic compounds, resulting in the production of colorless or white products. The primary source of chlorine gas in the bleaching reaction is calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)_2), and the byproduct of the reaction is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)_2). The bleaching reaction has various applications in various industries, including the textile industry, paper industry, and water treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between bleaching and whitening?
A: Bleaching involves the removal of color from a substance, while whitening involves the addition of a whitening agent to a substance to improve its appearance.
Q: Can the bleaching reaction be used to remove color from inorganic compounds?
A: No, the bleaching reaction is not effective in removing color from inorganic compounds.
Q: What are the safety precautions that should be taken when handling chlorine gas?
A: The safety precautions that should be taken when handling chlorine gas include wearing protective clothing, using a gas mask, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Q: Can the bleaching reaction be used to remove color from all types of materials?
A: No, the bleaching reaction is not effective in removing color from all types of materials. It is primarily used to remove color from organic compounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the bleaching action is a complex process that involves the oxidation of organic compounds, resulting in the production of colorless or white products. The primary source of chlorine gas in the bleaching reaction is calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)_2), and the byproduct of the reaction is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)_2). The bleaching reaction has various applications in various industries, including the textile industry, paper industry, and water treatment.