chlorine

Everyday

1. Chlorine is a yellow-green poisonous gas with a strong smell. tree →
2. Chlorine is a chemical put into swimming pools and drinking water to kill germs. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons chlorine is an element (symbol Cl); with sodium it makes salt (sodium chloride). In everyday life the «swimming pool smell» comes from chlorine; it can make eyes sting, so swimmers wear goggles. In safety lessons: never mix cleaning products like bleach, as they can release dangerous chlorine gas. Phrases: chlorine in the pool, chlorinated water.

Examples

• The pool smells of chlorine. tree →
• Chlorine kills germs in the water. tree →
• My eyes sting from the chlorine. tree →
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine. tree →
• Table salt is made of sodium and chlorine. tree →
• Never mix bleach with other cleaners. tree →

Note

Uncountable noun. Pronounced «KLOR-een». As a gas it is poisonous, but tiny amounts in water make it safe to drink and swim in. Salt contains chlorine joined with sodium, but salt is not poisonous — joined elements can behave very differently.