Why is Chlorine a gas at room temperature but Sodium Chloride is a solid?

Chlorine is a gas at room temperature due to its structure.  Chlorine is made up of two chlorine atoms, held together by covalent bonds, forming simple covalent molecules.  Whilst the covalent bonds within the chlorine molecules are strong, there are only weak intermolecular forces between molecules, which require very little energy to overcome. Therefore chlorine has a low boiling point and so is a gas at room temperature. In contrast, sodium chloride is a solid at room temperature as it is a giant ionic compound.  The individual sodium and chloride ions are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions.  These ionic bonds are very strong and are formed in all directions, creating a giant ionic lattice.  Due to the strength of the bonds, large amounts of energy are needed to break them and therefore sodium chloride has a high melting point.

Answered by Sophie V. Chemistry tutor

31721 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you make calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) from Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and what are the equations.


What is the effect of increasing the temperature on the rate of reaction?


How is crude oil separated into fractions?


Explain the collision theory.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences