Question

Assertion: Fluorine exists only in -1 oxidation state. Reason: Fluorine has 2s² 2p⁵ configuration.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
• D. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Answer 2

The electronic configuration of fluorine is $2s^2 2p^5$. This means it has 7 valence electrons and needs one more electron to achieve a stable octet. Fluorine is the most electronegative element. In its elemental form ($F_2$), its oxidation state is 0. In compounds, due to its high electronegativity, it always gains one electron, resulting in an oxidation state of -1. The assertion, when interpreted in the context of compounds, is correct. The reason, its electronic configuration, is also correct and explains its high electronegativity and tendency to achieve a -1 oxidation state.