Why does Phosphorus have a higher melting point than Chlorine?

Phosphorus exists as P4 and chlorine as Cl2 so elemental phosphorus is a bigger molecule than chlorine. Neither of these molecules has a dipole so both have only induced dipole-dipole (or Van Der Waal's) forces between each molecule. This is due to the random movement of electrons in the molecule creating instantaneous dipoles in each molecule which therefore induces instantaneous dipoles in the neighbouring molecules. The interaction between the dipoles of these molecules (an intermolecular force) stabilises the solid form of the molecule. P4 is bigger than Cl2 and it has more electrons therefore stronger Van Der Waal's forces so a higher melting point as more energy is needed to overcome these intermolecular forces.

RS
Answered by Rory S. Chemistry tutor

20434 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is solvent leveling? How can we distinguish between two strongly acidic solutions? (This is a challenging question and is included for interest only)


An excess of Lead (II) oxide reacts with 175cm3 of 1.5 mol dm3 nitric acid. Calculate the maximum quantity of lead that can be obtained from this reaction.


A solution of ethanoic acid is made by dissolving 3g of pure liquid propanoic acid in 500cm^3 water. Given the pH of the solution is 2.98, calculate Ka.


Describe the Structure and Bonding of Benzene


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