MCQ Detailed View

Most elements in the periodic table exist either in solid or gaseous states under normal room temperature (around 25°C). Metals are typically solids (with the exception of mercury), while non-metals are usually solids (like sulfur and phosphorus) or gases (like oxygen and nitrogen). However, bromine (Br₂) is unique as it is the only non-metal that naturally exists in a liquid state at room temperature.Bromine belongs to the halogen group (Group 17 of the periodic table), alongside fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and astatine. Unlike its halogen family members, bromine has physical properties that make it a liquid between 19°C (melting point) and 59°C (boiling point). Its reddish-brown liquid form easily vaporizes, producing dense fumes that are corrosive and toxic.

Key Facts about Bromine:

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  Symbol: Br

  
  


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  Atomic Number: 35

  
  


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  Melting Point: −7.2 °C

  
  


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  Boiling Point: 59 °C

  
  


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  Appearance: Dark reddish-brown liquid that readily evaporates.

  
  


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  Occurrence: It is not found freely in nature but exists in salts within seawater and underground brines.

  
  

Bromine has many important uses:

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  It is used in flame retardants (to reduce fire risk).

  
  


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  It is applied in certain pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

  
  


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  It is involved in water purification processes.

  
  

Among liquids at room temperature, mercury (a metal) is often confused with bromine, but mercury is a metal, not a non-metal. Therefore, the correct answer to this question is Bromine.

This unique property makes bromine an important element to study in both chemistry and everyday science because it stands out as the only non-metal liquid under standard conditions.