Ncert Exercises & Solutions

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

(d) O > F > N > Cl

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.