Among oxygen forms, which statement is true?

Among oxygen forms, which statement is true?

• A. O2 is stronger oxidizing agent
• B. O3 is weaker oxidizing agent
• C. O2 is a weaker oxidizing agent
• D. O3 is a stronger oxidizing agent

Answer: (D)

When judging how strong an oxidizing agent is, think about how readily a species gains electrons. A stronger oxidizer has a higher tendency to accept electrons, which is reflected in a higher standard reduction potential (E°) for the reduction reaction of that species. Ozone (O3) has a higher reduction potential than molecular oxygen (O2), meaning ozone more readily accepts electrons to become O2 (and water in acidic conditions). That makes ozone a much stronger oxidizing agent than oxygen. So the true statement is that ozone is the stronger oxidizing agent. The other options would imply either that oxygen is stronger or that ozone is weaker, which contradicts the redox-potential relationship.

When judging how strong an oxidizing agent is, think about how readily a species gains electrons. A stronger oxidizer has a higher tendency to accept electrons, which is reflected in a higher standard reduction potential (E°) for the reduction reaction of that species. Ozone (O3) has a higher reduction potential than molecular oxygen (O2), meaning ozone more readily accepts electrons to become O2 (and water in acidic conditions). That makes ozone a much stronger oxidizing agent than oxygen. So the true statement is that ozone is the stronger oxidizing agent. The other options would imply either that oxygen is stronger or that ozone is weaker, which contradicts the redox-potential relationship.