Which of the following is correct statement ?

Options

A. `F_2` has higher dissociation energy than `Cl_2`
B. F has higher electron affinity than Cl
C. HF is stronger acid than HCl
D. Boiling point increases down the group in halogens

Answer

To solve the question "Which of the following is the correct statement?" we will analyze each of the four options provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Option 1: F2 has higher dissociation energy than Cl2**
- **Analysis**: The dissociation energy refers to the energy required to break the bond between two atoms. Fluorine (F2) has a strong bond due to high electronegativity, but it is also small in size, leading to significant electron-electron repulsion when it forms an F- ion. Chlorine (Cl2), being larger, has a lower bond dissociation energy because the bond is easier to break. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

2. **Option 2: Fluorine has higher electron affinity than chlorine**
- **Analysis**: Electron affinity is the energy change when an electron is added to a neutral atom. Although fluorine is more electronegative, its small size leads to greater electron-electron repulsion when it gains an electron, making it less stable than the chloride ion (Cl-). Chlorine, being larger, can stabilize the added electron better. Thus, this statement is also **incorrect**.

3. **Option 3: HF is a stronger acid than HCl**
- **Analysis**: The strength of an acid is determined by how easily it donates a proton (H+). HF has a strong bond between H and F due to good overlap, making it harder to break compared to the H-Cl bond, which is weaker due to poorer overlap. Therefore, HF is a weaker acid than HCl. This statement is **incorrect**.

4. **Option 4: Boiling point increases down the group in halogens**
- **Analysis**: As we move down the group in the periodic table (from fluorine to chlorine to bromine to iodine), the size of the atoms increases, leading to stronger Van der Waals forces due to increased molecular mass and surface area. This results in higher boiling points for the heavier halogens. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.

### Conclusion:
The correct statement among the options provided is **Option 4: Boiling point increases down the group in halogens**.

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