# Explain why hydrogen chloride (HCl) has a low melting point.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 2.5 Simple molecules and covalent bonds · Explain · 4 marks

> Hydrogen chloride is a gas at room temperature with a melting point of –114 °C. It consists of simple molecules held together by covalent bonds.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. HCl consists of simple molecules
2. There are weak intermolecular forces between the molecules
3. Only a small amount of energy is needed to overcome these intermolecular forces
4. The covalent bond within the molecule is strong / is not broken on melting

## Key terms

- [melting point](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/melting-point)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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