Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Chlorine gas refers to the diatomic molecule composed of two chlorine atoms (Cl2). It is a greenish-yellow, highly reactive substance commonly used for disinfection purposes.
Related terms
Hydrogen gas: Hydrogen gas (H2) consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded together. It is another diatomic molecule that can react with chlorine gas.
When chlorine reacts with hydrogen, it forms a compound called hydrogen chloride (HCl), consisting of one hydrogen atom and one chlorine atom bonded together.
Equilibrium refers to a state in which the forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, resulting in no overall change in the concentrations of reactants and products.