In terms of structure and bonding explain why the boiling point of bromine is different from that of magnesium

Bromine exists as a simple molecular structure- the Br2 molecules are held together using Van der Waals forces. Whereas Magnesium is a metal and is held together using metallic bonding. Metalic bonding constists of tighly packed positive ions surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons and is therefore very strong. Van der Waal forces are weak. Melting is the process where a solid becomes a liquid, this means bonds must be broken. A larger amount of energy is needed to break Metallic bonds as they are stronger than Van der Waals. Therefore Magnesium has a higher melting point that Bromine.

MA
Answered by Mubeena A. Chemistry tutor

23974 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the 2nd Electron aiffinity of Chlorine is Endothermic whilst the first electron affinity is exothermic


what is entropy in terms of disorder?


Describe the trend in the reactivity of group 2 elements with chlorine as you descend down the group.


Why can there be one major product and one minor product after electrophilic addition takes place across a double bond?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning