Which of the following statements about halogens is correct?

Halogens are elements found in Group 17 of the periodic table. The common halogens are fluorine (F₂), chlorine (Cl₂), bromine (Br₂), and iodine (I₂). They show similar chemical behavior but differ in reactivity, physical state, and oxidizing power.

Chlorine (Cl₂) is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is highly reactive. It acts as a strong oxidizing agent because it has a high tendency to gain electrons and form chloride ions (Cl⁻). Among the halogens listed in this question, chlorine is the strongest oxidizing agent, making option A correct.

Iodine (I₂) is a dark violet solid at room temperature and is less reactive than chlorine and bromine. It is not very volatile compared to bromine. Bromine (Br₂) is a reddish-brown liquid at room temperature and is less reactive than chlorine. Chlorine is more reactive than bromine, so statement C is incorrect.

Halogens have varying solubility in water. Chlorine gas is moderately soluble in water and forms a pale green solution called chlorine water. It is not insoluble, so statement D is incorrect.

Understanding halogen properties helps explain reactions in inorganic chemistry, such as displacement reactions, halide formation, and redox behavior. Chlorine’s strong oxidizing ability is applied in water purification, bleaching, and chemical synthesis. Bromine and iodine have different industrial and laboratory uses due to their reactivity and physical properties.