In the following questions a statement of assertion (A) followed by a statement of reason (R) is given. Choose the correct option out of the choices given below each question.
Assertion (A): Among halogens fluorine is the best oxidant. Reason (R): Fluorine is the most electronegative atom.
(i) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(ii) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(iii) A is true but R is false.
(iv) Both A and R are false.
option (i)
Both statements are correct and (A) is a correct explanation of (B).
Fluorine has +2.87 V of reduction potential for a reduction reaction:
As the reduction potential is highest in the electrochemical series there is no other element that can oxidize fluorine. And thus fluorine acts as the best oxidizing agent.
Size of fluorine is small for which the amount of electron attraction is very large. This results into very strong nucleus electron attraction making it difficult to release any electrons. This also impacts during compound formation, such the nuclear attraction is very strong thus resulting into high electronegativity and a very high intermolecular attraction for electrons. Due to this reason the electronegativity of F is 3.98, which is highest in the periodic table, thus causing good oxidant properties.