Question -
Answer -
The general electronicconfiguration of halogens is np5, where n = 2-6. Thus,halogens need only one more electron to complete their octet and to attain thestable noble gas configuration. Also, halogens are highly electronegative withlow dissociation energies and high negative electron gain enthalpies.Therefore, they have a high tendency to gain an electron. Hence, they act asstrong oxidizing agents.