Question
Considering the elements F, Cl, O and N, the correct order of their chemical reactivity in terms of oxidizing property is:
(a) F > Cl > O > N (b) F > O > Cl > N
(c) Cl> F >O > N (d) O > F > N > Cl
Solution
(b) is correct because oxidising character increases from left to right. Therefore oxidising power decreases in the order F > O > N. But within a group, oxidising power decreases from top to bottom. Thus F is stronger oxidising agent than Cl. Also O is more electronegative than Cl, therefore O is stronger oxidising agent than Cl.
