EL - melting point trends

Question 1

Trend of first three elements in period 3

Answer 1

They are all metals so there is metallic bonding
There is a general increase in m.p. due to the increase in delocalised electrons and the atomic radius gets smaller (basically a stronger metallic bond)

Question 2

Trend of silicon in period 3

Answer 2

Highest m.p. in period 3
Has a giant covalent structure
Lots of strong covalent bonds between them holding it together so more energy required to break them

Question 3

Trend of phosphorus in period 3

Answer 3

M.p. decreases massively
There are weaker IM forces and it has a weaker simple molecular structure

Question 4

Trend of sulfur in period 3

Answer 4

Slight increase in m.p.
Slightly larger simple molecular structure and slightly larger IM forces

Question 5

Trend of chlorine in period 3

Answer 5

Decrease in m.p.
Smaller simple molecular structure and smaller IM forces

Question 6

Trend of argon in period 3

Answer 6

Decrease in m.p.
Atoms only exist individually
Smaller IM forces