Consideringthe parameters such as bond dissociation enthalpy, electron gainenthalpy and hydration enthalpy, compare the oxidising power of F2and Cl2.
Fluorineis a much stronger oxidizing agent than chlorine. The oxidizing powerdepends on three factors.
1. Bonddissociation energy
2. Electrongain enthalpy
3. Hydrationenthalpy
Theelectron gain enthalpy of chlorine is more negative than that offluorine. However, the bond dissociation energy of fluorine is muchlesser than that of chlorine. Also, because of its small size, thehydration energy of fluorine is much higher than that of chlorine.Therefore, the latter two factors more than compensate for the lessnegative electron gain enthalpy of fluorine. Thus, fluorine is a muchstronger oxidizing agent than chlorine.