Final answer:
Bromine (Br₂) is expected to have the highest melting point among the given elements because it is a liquid at room temperature, indicating stronger intermolecular forces compared to the other elements which are gases.The correct answer is an option C
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the intermolecular forces that affect melting points of various elements. The elements in question include Cl₂ (Chlorine), Kr (Krypton), Br₂ (Bromine), F₂ (Fluorine), and N₂ (Nitrogen). To determine which element has the highest melting point, we need to consider the strength of the dispersive forces, which are the only intermolecular forces present when it comes to nonpolar molecules and noble gases.
Larger and heavier atoms and molecules exhibit stronger dispersion forces than do smaller and lighter ones. Since Br₂ is a liquid and thus has stronger intermolecular forces compared to F₂ and Cl₂, which are gases, it would have a higher melting point. Similarly, as a noble gas, Kr might exhibit relatively stronger dispersion forces compared to the diatomic nonmetals discussed because of its atomic size.
However, out of the given elements, Br₂ would be expected to have the highest melting point because it is already a liquid at room temperature indicating that it has stronger intermolecular forces than the others which are gases at room temperature, and the melting point trends for halogens support this conclusion. So, The correct answer is an option C