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

Answer 1

The oxidizing character of elements increases from left to right across a period. Thus, we get the decreasing order of oxidizing property as F > O > N.
Again, the oxidizing character of elements decreases down a group. Thus, we get F > Cl. However, the oxidizing character of O is more than that of Cl i.e., O > Cl.
Hence, the answer (b), the correct order of chemical reactivity of F, Cl, O, and N in terms of their oxidizing property is F > O > Cl > N.