Question

Which of the following is the strongest oxidizing agent
(a) $F$
(b) $Br$
(c) $Cl$
(d) $I$

Answer 1

Hint: An oxidising agent (also known as an oxidizer or oxidant) is a chemical species that tends to oxidise other substances, causing them to lose electrons and hence increase their oxidation state.

Complete answer:
Fluorine is the most effective oxidizer, having the largest positive electrode potential. Fluorine is thought to be the most powerful elemental oxidizing agent. This could be because fluorine is the most electronegative element in the present periodic table, and hence has the highest attractive force on electrons of all the elements.
Oxidizing agents are usually found in their most oxidised states, which means they have a significant ability to gain electrons and undergo reduction. Ions, atoms, and molecules with a high affinity for electrons are thought to be good oxidizers. The greater the oxidising power, the stronger the electron affinity.
Oxidizing materials can accelerate the spread of a fire and make it more powerful. Substances that don't normally burn well in the air are able to burn quickly. Without the presence of visible elements, fuel materials are stimulated to fire at random.

Hence, the correct option is (a) $F$ .

Additional Information:
Oxidizing agents have a wide range of commercial and industrial uses. The following are a handful of these uses.
Fabrics are bleached.
Water purification.
An oxidising agent is used in the combustion of fuel.
Batteries are used to store energy.
Rubber vulcanization (increasing the strength and the elasticity of rubber).

Note:
Some chemicals with large oxidation states can also be used as oxidizers. The permanganate ion, chromate ion, and dichromate ion are all ionic examples. Nitric acid, perchloric acid, and sulphuric acid are acidic examples of excellent oxidizers.