Solved: Calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)2] is used as a

Chapter 15, Problem 15.141

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Calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)2] is used as a disinfectant for swimming pools. When dissolved in water it produces hypochlorous acid Ca(OCl)2(s) 1 2H2O(l) 2HClO(aq) 1 Ca(OH)2(s) which ionizes as follows: HClO(aq) H1(aq) 1 ClO2(aq) Ka 5 3.0 3 1028 As strong oxidizing agents, both HClO and ClO2 can kill bacteria by destroying their cellular components. However, too high a HClO concentration is irritating to the eyes of swimmers and too high a concentration of ClO2 will cause the ions to decompose in sunlight. The recommended pH for pool water is 7.8. Calculate the percent of these species present at this pH.