Explain the observation made when chlorine is bubbled in water

Answer 1

When chlorine gas is bubbled through water, it dissolves to form a mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This reaction is represented by the following equation:

Cl2 (g) + H2O(l) -> HCl (aq) + HOCl (aq)

The solution will turn pale yellow due to the formation of hypochlorous acid. This is often used as a disinfectant in water treatment processes, as hypochlorous acid is a powerful oxidizing agent that can kill harmful bacteria and viruses.