Answer the question on the basis of the passage given below:

Oxides formed by \(p\)- block elements are acidic, basic and neutral. Also, elements of \(p\)-block from different acids.

\(HOCl < HClO_2 < HClO_3 < HClO_4\)

It is the correct order for which of the following?

A. Increasing acidic strength

B. Decreasing order of oxidizing power

C. Increasing order of oxidizing power

D. Increasing basic strength

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

A and C only

The correct answer is option 2. A and C only.

Let us break down each part of the question and the options:

Given compounds:

\(HOCl\) - Hypochlorous acid

\(HClO_2\) - Chlorous acid

\(HClO_3\) - Chloric acid

\(HClO_4\) - Perchloric acid

A. Increasing acidic strength: In general, the strength of an acid increases with the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the central atom. In the given compounds, as we move from left to right, the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the central chlorine atom increases, resulting in an increase in the acidity of the compound. This is because the electronegativity of oxygen pulls electron density away from the chlorine atom, making it easier for the compound to donate a proton (H⁺). Therefore, the given order \(HOCl < HClO_2 < HClO_3 < HClO_4\) correctly represents increasing acidic strength.

B. Decreasing order of oxidizing power: Oxidizing power generally increases with the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the central atom. So, the correct order would be the reverse of the given order: \(HClO_4 > HClO_3 > HClO_2 > HOCl\). Therefore, this option is not correct.

C. Increasing order of oxidizing power: As mentioned earlier, oxidizing power increases with the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the central atom. So, the given order is correct for increasing oxidizing power. This is because the presence of more oxygen atoms increases the ability of the compound to accept electrons, which is the characteristic behavior of oxidizing agents.

D. Increasing basic strength: None of the compounds listed are bases, so this option is not applicable.

Therefore, the correct answer is: 2. A and C only

This means that the given order represents both increasing acidic strength and increasing oxidizing power correctly.