Answer: It decomposes to release nascent oxygen: O 3 → O 2 + [O].
- A It decomposes to release nascent oxygen: O<sub>3</sub> → O<sub>2</sub> + [O]
- B It is thermodynamically more stable than ordinary O<sub>2</sub> gas
- C It readily forms stable compounds with the noble gases
- D It primarily functions as a reducing agent in most reactions
Correct answer: A. It decomposes to release nascent oxygen: O<sub>3</sub> → O<sub>2</sub> + [O]
Explanation: O<sub>3</sub> readily decomposes to O<sub>2</sub> + nascent oxygen ([O]), which is a powerful oxidising agent.
Xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4) has six electron domains around xenon — four Xe–F bonds plus two lone pairs. The lone pairs occupy opposite axial positions, leaving the four fluorine atoms in a square-planar shape (Xe–F ≈ 194 pm). Image: ChemSim, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
Covers the nitrogen family (Group 15), oxygen family (Group 16), halogens (Group 17), and noble gases (Group 18). One of the highest-weightage inorganic chapters in NEET and JEE - includes preparation and properties of HNO₃, H₂SO₄, interhalogens, and xenon compounds.