Question

Explain the following with proper reason.
Halogens are strong oxidizing agents.

Answer 1

Hint: Let us know that the halogens are a group of chemical elements that make up one complete periodic table column. Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine are the most frequent halogens present in organic molecules. The elements which are non-metals in group $17$ are also known as halogens. The name "halogen" comes from the Greek word "halogen," which means "salt producing." They are called so because they react with metals to produce salts.

Complete answer:
We have to know that the halogens are the Group $17$ elements in the periodic table and they consist of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine. Halogens have an electronic configuration of \[n{p^5}\], with $n = 2 - 6$. To complete their octet and achieve the stable noble gas state, halogens just require one more electron. Halogens are also extremely electronegative, with low dissociation energies and large negative electron gain enthalpies. These properties contribute to the high tendency of halogens to gain an electron.
Hence, they act as strong oxidising agents.
The reactivity of halogens reduces as they progress from fluorine to astatine. In nature, halogens do not exist in their elemental form. Astatine isotopes have a short half-life and are radioactive.

Additional information:
Other physical properties of halogen include:
The halogens all have a distinct and frequently unpleasant odour.
The halogen elements are extremely poisonous and have poor heat and electrical conductors.
Melting and boiling points are low.

Note:
We must note that at ordinary temperature and pressure, the halogens are the only periodic table group that contains elements in all three recognised states of matter.
Fluorine is a pale yellow gas.
Chlorine is a bluish-green gas.
Bromine is a dark red liquid