Question

A solid that can act as an oxidizing agent:
A. Sodium hypochlorite
B. Bromine
C. Chlorine
D. Fluorine

Answer 1

Hint: An oxidizing agent is a chemical that removes electrons from other chemicals in a redox reaction. Ex: Hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and oxygen etc.
A reducing agent is a chemical that donates electrons to other chemicals in a redox reaction.
Ex: alkali and alkaline earth metals and formic acid etc.

Complete step by step answer:
A chemical which acts as an oxidizing agent should have a capability to hold electrons with it.
Means the chemical (oxidizing agent) should have high electronegativity value with it.
In the question it is clearly mentioned that the oxidizing agent should be solid.
Coming to given options, option B (Bromine), option C (Chlorine), option D (Fluorine). We know that bromine, chlorine and fluorine are gases at room temperature. So, options B, C and D are wrong.
Coming to the last option, option A. Sodium hypochlorite. It is a solid and oxidizing agent.
Therefore the answer is sodium hypochlorite.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note:
Don’t be confused with the terms sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite. Both are not the same.
The molecular formula of sodium chlorite is \[NaCl{{O}_{2}}\].
The molecular formula of sodium hypochlorite is \[NaOCl\].
Sodium hypochlorite is also called sodium oxychloride and bleach.
Sodium chlorite in larger concentrations useful for industrial purposes like bleaching of textiles, pulp and paper.
But sodium hypochlorite in smaller proportions is sufficient for the above mentioned purposes.