Question

Discuss the following property with reference to noble gases:

Melting point

Answer 1

1. Noble gases have very low melting points compared to other elements with similar molecular masses.
2. This is because their atoms are held together only by very weak van der Waals forces.
3. These forces require very little heat to break, making melting points very low.
4. Melting points increase steadily down the group from helium to radon.
5. The increase occurs as the atomic size and van der Waals forces increase down the group.