Strong oxidizing agent used in purification of water

Options

A. `Cl_(2)O`
B. `NO_(3)^(-)`
C. `NO_(2)^(-)`
D. `OF_(2)`

Explanation

To determine the strong oxidizing agent used in the purification of water, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understanding the Role of Oxidizing Agents
An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction and, in the process, causes another substance to be oxidized. This means that the oxidizing agent itself is reduced.

**Hint:** Remember that oxidizing agents are characterized by their ability to accept electrons.

### Step 2: Identifying Common Oxidizing Agents
In the context of water purification, several oxidizing agents can be used, such as chlorine (Cl2), ozone (O3), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, we need to focus on the strong oxidizing agents specifically used in this process.

**Hint:** Think about the common substances used in water treatment processes.

### Step 3: Evaluating Chlorine Dioxide (Cl2O)
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is known for its strong oxidizing properties and is often used in water purification. However, in this case, the question specifically mentions Cl2O, which is chlorine monoxide.

**Hint:** Check the oxidation states of the elements in the compounds to determine their oxidizing ability.

### Step 4: Analyzing the Oxidation State of Chlorine in Cl2O
In Cl2O, the oxidation state of chlorine is +1. When it acts as an oxidizing agent, it can be reduced to an oxidation state of -1. This change indicates that it can effectively oxidize other substances while being reduced itself.

**Hint:** The change in oxidation state is crucial in identifying the oxidizing agent.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question is that chlorine monoxide (Cl2O) is the strong oxidizing agent used in the purification of water.

**Final Answer:** Cl2O