What occurs to dissolved solids when they come into contact with chlorine?

When dissolved solids come into contact with chlorine, they can undergo oxidation. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent and interacts with various dissolved substances, particularly those containing organic material or certain inorganic compounds. This reaction can lead to the breakdown or conversion of these substances into different chemical species.

For instance, chlorine can oxidize certain organic compounds, resulting in the formation of simpler substances or disinfection byproducts, which is critical in water treatment processes. This oxidation process is essential for reducing contaminants in drinking water, enhancing its safety and quality. Understanding this reaction is crucial for maintaining appropriate water treatment standards and ensuring the effectiveness of disinfection processes.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the interaction between chlorine and dissolved solids. For example, the idea that dissolved solids remain unchanged does not account for the oxidative nature of chlorine. Similarly, filtering out solids typically refers to physical separation processes rather than chemical reactions, and the assertion that chlorine gas is created does not reflect the common reactions that occur with dissolved solids in the presence of chlorine. Thus, recognizing the role of oxidation is vital in the context of water treatment and chemistry.