Chlorine, , is a gas at room temperature, but bromine, , is a liquid. Explain.

Question

Chlorine,  , is a gas at room temperature, but bromine,  , is a liquid. Explain.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bromine atoms are larger and have more electrons, making them more polarizable and allowing for stronger induced dipole-induced dipole attractions, resulting in a higher boiling point and the liquid state at room temperature. Chlorine, on the other hand, has smaller atoms and less electrons, leading to weaker intermolecular forces and the gas state at room temperature. Option A is incorrect as chlorine atoms are smaller, not larger. Option C is also incorrect as the physical orientation is determined by the intermolecular forces which are weaker in chlorine. Option D is incorrect as bromine is a covalently bonded molecule, not an ionic compound.

Chlorine, , Is a Gas at Room Temperature, but Bromine