Question

Out of oxygen and ozone, which is a better oxidising agent and why?

Answer 1

1. Ozone (O₃) is a better oxidising agent than oxygen (O₂).
2. This is because ozone decomposes easily to produce nascent oxygen [O], which is highly reactive.
3. Nascent oxygen can quickly oxidise substances, making ozone stronger as an oxidant.
4. Oxygen does not form nascent oxygen as readily, so its oxidising power is less.
5. Hence, ozone's ability to release reactive oxygen atoms makes it more effective for oxidation reactions.