3.40 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 - (b)
The oxidizing property of elements increases from left to right across a period because of the presence of vacant d-orbitals in their valence shells.
Thus, we get the decreasing order of oxidizing property as .
And the oxidizing character of elements decreases down a group. Thus we get .
However, the oxidizing character of Oxygen is more than that of Chlorine.
So, .
Hence the correct order their chemical reactivity in terms of oxidizing property is :
.