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

6911 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of distillation


What is an alkene and how might one be identified?


What is the difference between the empirical formula and molecular formula?


Calculate the relative formula mass of water.


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