Question

How does the water of rivers become acidic when excessive chlorinated water is added to it?

Answer 1

When chlorine gas (Cl2) is added to the water (H2O), it hydrolyzes rapidly to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and the hypochlorous acid will then dissociate into hypochlorite ions (OCl-) and hydrogen ions (H+). Because hydrogen ions are produced, the water will become more acidic (the pH of the water will decrease).

Answer 2

When chlorine gas (Cl2) is addedto the water (H2O), it hydrolyzes rapidly to produce hypochlorousacid (HOCl) and the hypochlorousacid will then dissociate into hypochlorite ions (OCl-) and hydrogen ions (H+). Because hydrogen ions are produced, thewater will become more acidic(the pH of the water will