Intermolecular forces — volatility depends on id–id forces, not covalent bond strength
“A common misconception… was highlighted by those who described the trend in volatility, down Group 17, in terms of the weakening strength of covalent bonds between atoms.”
Toggle between overcoming intermolecular forces (what actually happens on boiling) and breaking covalent bonds (the misconception). The chart shows boiling point rising with electron count down the group.
Notice the covalent bond enthalpy does not even trend the same way as boiling point — proof that bond strength is not what sets volatility.
Original reconstruction inspired by the misconceptions described in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level H1 Chemistry 8873 November 2023 Examiner Report. Not the actual examination question. For classroom exploration.
Made by lookang, using Claude Fable 5. More resources: iwant2study.org