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Which one of the following is extensively used for sterilizing water ?
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- Bleaching powder
- Alum
- Borax powder
- Soda powder
- Bleaching powder
Correct Option: A
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.