Provide an example of the reactivity and oxidizing power of halogens.

Halogens are highly reactive and have strong oxidizing power.

Halogens are a group of non-metal elements that are highly reactive due to their electron configuration. They have seven valence electrons, which makes them one electron short of a stable octet. As a result, they tend to gain an electron to form a stable ion with a full outer shell. This makes them highly reactive and capable of forming a wide range of chemical compounds.

In addition to their reactivity, halogens also have strong oxidizing power. This is because they have a high electronegativity, which means they have a strong attraction for electrons. As a result, they can easily remove electrons from other atoms or molecules, which is the basis of oxidation. This makes halogens useful in a variety of industrial and chemical applications, such as bleaching agents, disinfectants, and as catalysts in chemical reactions.

One example of the reactivity and oxidizing power of halogens is the reaction between chlorine and sodium. When chlorine gas is added to a solution of sodium hydroxide, it reacts to form sodium hypochlorite, which is a powerful oxidizing agent. This reaction is commonly used in the production of bleach and other disinfectants.

Overall, the reactivity and oxidizing power of halogens make them important elements in a variety of chemical and industrial applications. However, their high reactivity also means they can be dangerous and must be handled with care.