What is sodium hypochlorite commonly used for?

What is sodium hypochlorite commonly used for?

• A. As a nutrient medium for bacteria
• B. As a disinfectant, often in a 10% bleach concentration
• C. As a stabilizing agent in reactions
• D. As an antibiotic treatment

Answer: (B)

Sodium hypochlorite is primarily recognized for its use as a disinfectant, particularly in household bleach formulations which often contain around a 10% concentration of this compound. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, by disrupting their cellular processes and damaging their cellular structures. As a powerful oxidizing agent, it is widely utilized in both industrial and residential settings for sanitation purposes, making it a staple in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, water treatment, and even in some healthcare environments to ensure sterility and hygiene. In contrast, sodium hypochlorite is not suitable as a nutrient medium for bacteria, as it would inhibit microbial growth rather than support it. It is also not typically used as a stabilizing agent in chemical reactions, nor is it an antibiotic treatment, as it does not target specific microbial cells or exhibit selective antimicrobial activity like traditional antibiotics do.

Sodium hypochlorite is primarily recognized for its use as a disinfectant, particularly in household bleach formulations which often contain around a 10% concentration of this compound. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, by disrupting their cellular processes and damaging their cellular structures. As a powerful oxidizing agent, it is widely utilized in both industrial and residential settings for sanitation purposes, making it a staple in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, water treatment, and even in some healthcare environments to ensure sterility and hygiene.

In contrast, sodium hypochlorite is not suitable as a nutrient medium for bacteria, as it would inhibit microbial growth rather than support it. It is also not typically used as a stabilizing agent in chemical reactions, nor is it an antibiotic treatment, as it does not target specific microbial cells or exhibit selective antimicrobial activity like traditional antibiotics do.