Which has a lower boiling point chlorine or bromine, and why?

Chlorine has a lower boiling point as it is smaller in size than bromine. Chlorine has fewer electrons than bromine and fewer electron shells so chlorine is smaller in atomic radius. Size affects the strength of the intermolecular forces and as the size of a molecule decreases the less energy is needed to break the forces so the lower the boiling point. As chlorine is smaller and has weaker intermolecular forces than bromine, less heat energy is required to break the bonds.

GF
Answered by Gleanneil Faith S. Chemistry tutor

6924 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain in terms of structure why giant ionic lattices have high melting and boiling points. [4]


Why are group 1 elements more reactive as you go down the group?


why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when in molten state or solution but not when solid?


A sample of the ore haematite contains 70% iron oxide. Calculate the amount of iron oxide in 2000 tonnes of haematite.


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