7.57 Why are halogens strong oxidising agents?

<p><strong>7.57</strong></p><p>The general electronic configuration of halogens is np⁵, where n = 2-6. Thus, halogens need only one more electron to complete their octet and to attain the stable noble gas configuration.</p><p>Also, halogens are highly electronegative with low dissociation energies and high negative electron gain enthalpies. Therefore, they have a high tendency to gain an electron.</p><p>Whenever an atom accepts an electron from another atom, the atom accepting the electron is getting reduced and the atom donating the electron is oxidized.</p><p>But the electron accepting atom acts as an oxidizing agent while the electron donating atom acts as reducing agent. Hence, they act as strong oxidizing agents.</p>

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