Q. Chlorine is often added as the last step in municipal water treatment. The reason for use of chlorine is

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Solution:

Chlorination is the process of adding the element chlorine to water as a method of water purification to make it fit for human consumption as drinking water. Water which has been treated with chlorine is effective in preventing the spread of disease. The use of chlorine has greatly reduced the prevalence of water borne disease as it is effective against almost all bacteria and viruses. Chlorination is also used to sterilise the water in swimming pools and as a disinfection stage in sewage treatment. When chlorine is added to water, hypochlorous and hydrochloric acids form, an oxidising agent and a strong acid, respectively: