A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

181

The Halogen Group

Uses

against this weapon. Today, chlorine is used in

many ways. Its compounds are present in

everything from running shoes to choloroform.

It reacts with hydrogen to make hydrochloric acid,

an industrial cleaner. This corrosive liquid eats away

at most metals, releasing hydrogen gas. A weaker

chlorine acid is used to clean water in swimming

pools, while bleach and other cleaners use

chlorine compounds to kill germs. One of the

most widely used plastics, polyvinyl chloride

(PVC), contains chlorine. It is a tough plastic,

used to make many rigid objects.

Swimming pool

The chlorine levels in this pool

need to be regulated carefully to

maintain the quality of water.

This bleach

cleaner

contains a

compound

called sodium

hypochlorite.

Strong water

pipes are composed

of thick PVC.

This case

is tough

but flexible.

Bleach

Breathing in

this chlorine-

infused liquid

makes people

Chloroform fall unconscious.

The soles of some

running shoes

contain chlorine

compounds.

Run

nin

g (^) s
ho
es
PVC pipes
PV
C
(^) s
u
it
ca
se
This chlorine-rich
plastic is tough. (^) Saf
ety (^) g
ogg
les
Sodium chloride is
used to season meals.
Common salt

1. Dirty water
   enters the tank.^3. Chlorine mixed
   in water kills the
   remaining germs.


2. Clean water for
   drinking, cooking, and
   washing is released.


3. The filter traps
   tiny particles
   of impurities.
   CHLORINATION
   The process of cleaning dirty water with
   chlorine is called chlorination. This method
   involves passing the water through a filter.
   180-181_Chlorine.indd 181 02/12/16 9:26 pm