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Chemistry

Patterns in the periodic table

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Melting points and boiling points

Melting points and boiling points depend on the strength of forces which exist between the particles which make up a substance.

Melting points and boiling points show periodic properties. This means that they vary in a regular way or pattern depending on their position in the periodic table.

Graph showing melting and boiling points of Period 2 and Period 3 elements

The graphs above show the melting and boiling points for the period 2 and period 3 elements.

Graph of melting points and boiling points of Group 1 metals

A trend can also been seen on descending a group.

The melting and boiling points of the group 1 elements decrease on descending the group. This is due to a decrease in the forces of attraction between the atomsatom: An atom is the smallest part of an element that still has the properties of that element, comprising electrons surrounding a nucleus of protons and neutrons..

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Melting and boiling points of elements can be found in the SQA Higher Chemistry data booklet (page 4). This will open as a pdf file (192 kb).

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Periodic table

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SQA - Chemistry

Scottish Qualifications Authority Chemistry resources, including Past Papers.

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