Halogens are powerful oxidising agents because

Options

A. of high electron affinity
B. of low reduction potentials
C. Both (1) and (2)
D. None of the above

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Halogens**: Halogens are a group of elements in Group 17 of the periodic table, which includes fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I).

2. **Definition of Oxidizing Agents**: An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction and is thereby reduced. In this context, we need to understand why halogens are classified as powerful oxidizing agents.

3. **High Electron Affinity**: Halogens have a high electron affinity, which means they have a strong tendency to accept electrons. This property allows them to effectively oxidize other substances by taking electrons from them.

4. **High Reduction Potential**: The reduction potential of a substance indicates its ability to gain electrons. Halogens have high reduction potentials, meaning they are very likely to be reduced (gain electrons) in chemical reactions. This further supports their role as strong oxidizing agents.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the above points, we can conclude that halogens are powerful oxidizing agents primarily due to their high electron affinity and high reduction potential.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the correct reason for why halogens are powerful oxidizing agents is that they have high electron affinity.