What is common household bleach primarily composed of?

Common household bleach is primarily composed of sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite is an effective disinfectant and is widely used for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In household products, it is typically found as a solution in water, often at a concentration of around 5-6% for regular cleaning purposes.

This composition makes sodium hypochlorite particularly valuable in various cleaning and laundry applications, where its oxidative properties help to remove stains and whiten fabrics. When mixed with water, sodium hypochlorite releases chlorine, which contributes to its strong antimicrobial abilities.

The other substances listed, such as hydrogen peroxide, calcium carbonate, and ammonium hydroxide, serve different purposes and are not the primary components of household bleach. Hydrogen peroxide is used as an oxidizing agent and disinfectant, calcium carbonate is commonly found in antacids and as a chalk, and ammonium hydroxide is used in some cleaning products but does not provide the same bleaching properties as sodium hypochlorite.