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Physical properties of the halogens

contains placed in a vertical column on the right of the . The elements in group 7 are called the .

Periodic table with Group 7 in red.
Figure caption,
Group 7 is on the right-hand side of the periodic table, next to group 0

The halogens show trends in their and .

Learn more on groups in the periodic table in this podcast.

Physical properties

The halogens exist as simple . Each molecule contains two halogen joined by a single . The table shows the colour and physical of chlorine, bromine and iodine at room temperature.

ElementColourState
Chlorine, Cl2Pale greenGas
Bromine, Br2BrownLiquid
Iodine, I2Purple-blackSolid
ElementChlorine, Cl2
ColourPale green
StateGas
ElementBromine, Br2
ColourBrown
StateLiquid
ElementIodine, I2
ColourPurple-black
StateSolid

The and of the halogens increase going down group 7. This is because, going down group 7:

  • the molecules become larger
  • the become stronger
  • more is needed to overcome these forces

Example

The graph shows the melting and boiling points of the first four group 7 elements. Astatine is placed below iodine in group 7. Predict the melting and boiling points of astatine, and its state at room temperature.

Bar chart showing how the melting and boiling points of the halogens increase going down group 7

Astatine should have a melting point of about 300°C and a boiling point of about 340°C. This means that it will be solid at room temperature.