Suppose you wanted to remove the chlorine from the solution after this step. Describe one method you could use to remove the chlorine, and describe what properties of chlorine and water this method uses.

Answer 1

One effective method to remove chlorine from a solution is to use dechlorination by adding a reducing agent, such as sodium thiosulfate or ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Method:

1. Addition of Sodium Thiosulfate: You can add sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) to the chlorine-containing solution. The sodium thiosulfate acts as a reducing agent, which reacts with free chlorine to form chloride ions (Cl⁻) and sulfate ions (SO4²⁻), effectively removing chlorine from the solution.

Properties Utilized:

• Oxidizing and Reducing Agents: Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning it readily accepts electrons. Sodium thiosulfate is a reducing agent, meaning it can donate electrons to the chlorine. This electron transfer is what leads to the neutralization of chlorine's oxidative properties.
• Solubility: Both sodium thiosulfate and chlorine are soluble in water, allowing them to react easily in aqueous solutions, facilitating the dechlorination process.

This method is widely used in water treatment facilities and aquariums to ensure that chlorine does not harm aquatic life and to meet safety standards for drinking water.