The acidic strength of an acid is defined as the tendency of the acid to dissociate into its corresponding ions in order to release a proton and the anion. The acidic strength of a strong acid is high and that of a weak acid is low. This means that on dissociation, a strong acid releases its proton at a much faster rate than the weak acid.
Oxidation number: The greater the oxidation number of the central atom of the oxide, the greater the acidic strength will be.
n a periodic table, the acidic strength of an atom increases across a period and decreases down the group. In the above options, the correct order of acidic strength of the oxides is:
Cl2O7 > SO3 > P4O10
The oxidation state of the oxides is as follows:
Let the oxidation number of the chlorine atom be 'x′.
Cl2O7 = 2x + 7(−2) → x = +7
Let the oxidation number of the sulfur atom be ′y′.
SO3 = y + 3(−2) ⇒ y = +6
Let the oxidation number of the phosphorus atom be ′z′.
P4O10 − 4z + 10(−2) → z − +5
Thus, as we can see that the order of oxidation is in a decreasing manner, this means that this option is correct.
So, the correct answer is Option (a).