# Explain why the boiling points of the halogens increase going down Group VII from fluorine to iodine.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 8.3 Group VII properties · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The molecules become larger / have more electrons going down the group
2. Stronger intermolecular forces / van der Waals forces between molecules going down the group
3. More energy is needed to overcome these intermolecular forces
4. Therefore a higher temperature / more heat is required to boil the halogen, so boiling point increases

## Key terms

- [boiling point](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/boiling-point)
- [Group VII](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/group-vii)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-boiling-points-of-288ddd8a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.