Why is F2 a stronger oxidising agent than Cl2 ?

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Answer

Why is F2 a stronger oxidising agent than Cl2?

Electronegativity

The electronegativity of an element is the measure of its ability to attract electrons towards itself. Fluorine has the highest electronegativity of all the elements in the periodic table. As a result, it holds onto its electrons more tightly than chlorine. This makes it easier for fluorine to gain an electron and become a fluoride ion, which is a reduced species. Therefore, fluorine is a stronger oxidising agent than chlorine because it can more readily accept electrons from other species.

Bond Strength

The bond strength between two atoms is a measure of the energy required to break the bond between them. The bond between two fluorine atoms is much stronger than that between two chlorine atoms. Therefore, it requires more energy to break the bond between two fluorine atoms than two chlorine atoms. This means that fluorine is more likely to pull electrons away from other species, making it a stronger oxidising agent.

Size of the Atom

The size of an atom also plays a role in determining its oxidising power. Fluorine is a smaller atom than chlorine. This means that the valence electrons of fluorine are closer to the nucleus than those of chlorine. As a result, the electrons in fluorine experience a greater nuclear charge, which makes it easier for fluorine to attract electrons from other species. Therefore, fluorine is a stronger oxidising agent than chlorine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fluorine is a stronger oxidising agent than chlorine because of its high electronegativity, strong bond strength, and small size. These factors make it easier for fluorine to accept electrons from other species, making it a potent oxidising agent.

Answer

Because Fluorine is more electronegative than chlorine therefore it can attract a shared pair of electron more easily and strongly than chlorine. The anamolous behaviour of fluorine's electron affinity on the other hand is considered to be so because of the small size of Fluorine molecule.

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