Question detail
What is the expected trend in oxidising ability of halogens as you move down the group?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Group 7(17), the halogens
Question
- A. Oxidising ability increases
- B. Oxidising ability decreases
- C. Oxidising ability remains constant
- D. Oxidising ability fluctuates
Answer
Oxidising ability decreases
Explanation
The oxidising ability of halogens decreases down the group because larger atoms have a lower effective nuclear charge, making it harder to attract electrons.
Common mistake
Electronegativity Misunderstanding
Students often confuse the trend in electronegativity with the trend in atomic size down Group 7, thinking electronegativity increases instead of decreases.
Remember that electronegativity decreases down Group 7 due to increased atomic size and shielding effect. For example, fluorine is the most electronegative element, while iodine is less electronegative. This is because as you go down the group, the number of electron shells increases, which reduces the nucleus's pull on the bonding electrons.
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