# Explain why iodine (I₂) does not conduct electricity in any state and has a low melting point.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 1.6 Covalent bonding · Explain · 4 marks

> Iodine is a dark grey solid at room temperature. It consists of diatomic molecules held together by weak intermolecular forces. Iodine does not conduct electricity whether solid or liquid.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Iodine molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces (between molecules)
2. Little energy is needed to overcome these weak intermolecular forces, so iodine has a low melting point
3. Iodine has no free/delocalised electrons (or ions) in any state
4. Therefore iodine cannot conduct electricity because there are no mobile charge carriers

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