Which of the following indicates the correct increasing order of oxidizing power of the halogens?

Answer Details

The oxidizing power of a halogen is related to its ability to gain electrons. Halogens have seven electrons in their outermost shell and require one more electron to complete their octet configuration. The process of gaining an electron involves reduction of the halogen. The halogens are arranged in the periodic table in order of increasing atomic number, so the trend in oxidizing power can be related to this arrangement. As we move down the group, the atomic radius of the halogens increases, and the valence electrons become farther away from the nucleus, which means it becomes harder to attract electrons and so the oxidizing power decreases. Therefore, the correct increasing order of oxidizing power of the halogens is: I < Br < Cl < F. Hence, is correct.