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

Answer: (B)

F > O > Cl > N

Answer 2

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 correct order of chemical reactivity of $F, Cl, O,$ and $N$ in terms of their oxidizing property is:
$F > O > Cl > N$