Why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?

Iodine and chlorine are both in group 7 of the periodic table, iodine is further down than chlorine. When travelling down the periodic table the size of the atom increases due to the amount of electrons that reside within it. Since iodine is further down, it is bigger than chlorine and will have stronger intermolecular forces than chlorine which will require more energy to break. This results in iodine having a higher boiling point than chlorine.

AC
Answered by Abigail C. Chemistry tutor

3052 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the atomic radius of elements decreases as you move across the periodic table from the left to the right


What is ionic bonding and covalent bonding?


Describe the difference between a covalent and an ionic bond. Give examples.


Explain why graphite conducts electricity in terms of structure and bonding.


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