Question
Question: Bromine is the only liquid non-metal. (A)- True (B)- False...
Bromine is the only liquid non-metal.
(A)- True
(B)- False
Solution
The state (solid, liquid or gas) of the element depends on the attractive forces present in it which binds them together and determines its state in which it is found in nature in its elemental or molecular form.
Complete step by step solution:
Bromine is a non-metal with seven valence electrons in the outermost shell and has a tendency to gain an electron to complete its octet. Thus, is very reactive in nature and is thus, present in a diatomic form in its elemental state.
There is a presence of a force in the molecules as the size of the atoms increases giving it more space to be at different places in the molecule at a particular time. This creates a temporary separation of charges or dipoles within the molecule which are known as the London dispersion forces.
Thus, the larger and heavier atoms or molecules show a strong dispersion force. In the case of bromine, in Group 17 of the periodic table, it shows strong attractive dispersion force causing it to be in the liquid form at room temperature with a high boiling point.
Similarly, due to this dispersion force, the other non-metals are either solid or gaseous in nature.
Therefore, it is option (A)- true that bromine is the only non-metal found in a liquid state.
Note: The non-metals present in the right-end of the periodic table with high electronegativity, have larger and heavier atoms where the electrons get more place to displace at any time creating temporary charge separations. This enhances its melting and boiling point at room temperature.