State the purpose of adding each of the following in the purification of water for drinking:
(i) a flocculating agent e.g - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2013
Question b
State the purpose of adding each of the following in the purification of water for drinking:
(i) a flocculating agent e.g. aluminium sulfate,
(ii) a basic substanc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:State the purpose of adding each of the following in the purification of water for drinking:
(i) a flocculating agent e.g - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2013
Step 1
State the purpose of adding a flocculating agent e.g. aluminium sulfate
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Answer
The addition of a flocculating agent such as aluminium sulfate helps in clumping (removing) suspended particles from the water. This process improves water clarity and quality by facilitating the removal of impurities through sedimentation.
Step 2
State the purpose of adding a basic substance e.g. lime
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Answer
Adding a basic substance like lime raises the pH of the water. This neutralizes acids, prevents corrosion of pipes, and improves the overall taste of the water, making it safer and more palatable for drinking.
Step 3
State the purpose of adding an acidic substance e.g. sulfuric acid
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Answer
An acidic substance such as sulfuric acid is used to lower the pH of the water. This action helps in making the water less basic (alkaline) and neutralizes certain contaminants, thus improving the water quality.
Step 4
State the purpose of adding chlorine
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Chlorine is added to kill harmful bacteria and sterilize the water. This is a crucial step in ensuring the water is safe for human consumption by eliminating pathogens.
Step 5
State the purpose of adding a fluorine-containing compound e.g. hexafluorosilicic acid
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Answer
The addition of a fluorine-containing compound like hexafluorosilicic acid helps in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of cavities, promoting dental health in the community.
Step 6
Name the material used in filtering the water during the purification process
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Answer
The material used in filtering the water during the purification process is typically sand, gravel, or aggregate. These materials help in the mechanical removal of impurities from water.
Step 7
Suggest two ways in which nitrates could get into a water source
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Answer
Nitrates can enter a water source through:
Sewage discharge or leakage from septic systems that introduce nitrogen compounds into groundwater.
Fertilizer runoff from agricultural activities that increases nitrate levels in surface water due to heavy rainfall or irrigation, leading to contamination.
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