Which one of the following is extensively used for sterilizing water ?
A
Bleaching powder
B
Alum
C
Borax powder
D
Soda powder
Correct Answer: Bleaching powder
Bleaching powder is extensively used in sterilizing water. Calcium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with formula Ca(OCl)2. It is widely used for water treatment and as a bleaching agent (bleaching powder). This chemical is considered to be relatively stable and has greater available chlorine than sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach). Calcium hypochlorite is a yellow white solid which has a strong smell of chlorine. It is not highly soluble in water, and is more preferably used in soft to medium-hard water. It has two forms: a dry form and a hydrated form. The hydrated form is safer to handle.