Explain what happens to a crystal of iodine when it is heated (5marks)

A crystal of iodine sublimes from its solid state to its gaseous state without turning into a liquid. Iodine forms a molecular covalent crystal. This means that there are strong covalent bonds within the molecules of I2 but weak Van der Waals forces holding the molecules of I2 in the crystalline structure. When Iodine is heated, these weak Van der Waals forces are broken, freeing the gaseous molecules of I2 from the crystalline structure.

MI
Answered by Meghna I. Chemistry tutor

23237 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Which is more reactive, an alkane or an alkene and why?


When using cm3 as the unit for volume to calculate the concentration why must you divide the cm3 by 1000?


Why does magnesium have a higher melting point than sodium?


Why does phenol readily undergo electrophilic substitution but benzene does not without the aid of a catalyst?


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