Bromine has a density of 3.1 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) at a temperature of 20°C. This makes it a notably dense liquid element at standard room conditions.
Understanding Bromine's Density
Density is a fundamental physical property that quantifies the mass contained within a given volume of a substance. For bromine, its relatively high density of 3.1 g/cm³ at 20°C signifies that it is considerably heavier than many common liquids, including water, which has a density of approximately 1 g/cm³. This characteristic is vital for comprehending bromine's behavior in various scientific and industrial contexts.
Bromine (Br), a halogen and the only non-metallic element that is liquid at room temperature, exhibits a unique set of physical and chemical characteristics. Its liquid state, combined with its high density and characteristic reddish-brown color, contributes to its distinct nature.
Key Physical Properties of Bromine
Here's a closer look at bromine's key properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 35 |
| Density | 3.1 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| Melting Point | -7.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | 58.8 °C |
| Van der Waals Radius | 0.165 nm |
The density of bromine is a critical factor in its handling and applications. Being denser than water, liquid bromine will sink when introduced into an aqueous environment.
Factors Influencing Bromine's Density
Several factors can affect the measured density of bromine:
- Temperature: Density is generally temperature-dependent. The specified density of 3.1 g/cm³ is accurate at 20°C. As temperature increases, substances typically expand, leading to a decrease in density, and conversely, cooling usually results in an increase in density.
- Purity: The presence of impurities or contaminants within a bromine sample can alter its overall density. Pure elemental bromine will consistently exhibit the stated density.
Practical Implications of Bromine's Density
Understanding bromine's density carries significant practical implications:
- Safe Handling and Storage: Due to its high density and corrosive nature, bromine requires specialized containers and careful handling procedures to prevent spills and ensure safety. Its weight necessitates sturdy storage solutions.
- Chemical Formulations: In laboratory and industrial settings, knowledge of bromine's exact density is essential for accurate calculations in preparing solutions, determining concentrations, and ensuring precise measurements for chemical reactions where bromine serves as a reagent.
- Environmental Behavior: In the unfortunate event of an environmental release, bromine's high density dictates that it would likely sink in water bodies, potentially concentrating at the bottom. This characteristic is crucial for environmental assessment and the development of effective remediation strategies.
For more information on bromine, you can explore resources like PubChem's Bromine page.
