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

22894 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The Aldehyde CH3CH2CHO (A) reacts with HCN to give a racemic mixture, name the compound CH3CH2CH(CN)OH (B) formed and explain why we get a racemic mixture and how we could differentiate between two different enantiomerically pure solutions of B


What is a redox reaction?


Why is the Mg2+ ion smaller in radius than the Na+ ion?


Explain why sulfur deviates from the general trend in ionisation energies across period 3.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning