Question

Considering the parameters such as bond dissociation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and hydration enthalpy, compare the oxidising power of `F_(2)` and `Cl_(2)`.
Oxidizing power is a combined effect of bond dissociation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and hydration enthalpy.

Answer 1

Comparing `F_(2)` and `Cl_(2)` with the given parameters.

Form the data given above, it is clear that the bond dissociation enthalpy and electron gain enthalpy are higher for chlorine but pydration energy is much higher for fluorine. It compensates the effect of other two and thus, makes flourine more oxidizing than chlorine.
`(1)/(2)X_(2)(g)overset(1//2Delta_("diss")H^(0))toX(g)overset(Delta_("eg")H^(0))toX^(-)(g)overset(Delta_("hyd")H^(0))toX^(-)("aq")`
The relative oxidizing power of the halogens can be further illustrated by their reactions with water.
`2"F"_(2)(g)+2" H"_(2)O(l)to4H^(+)("aq")+4F^(-)("aq")+O_(2)(g)" "...(i)`
`Cl_(2)(g)+H_(2)O(l)toHCl("aq")+HOCl("aq")" "...(ii)`