Which non-metal exist in liquid state at room temperature ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Bromine is the correct answer because it is the only non-metal that exists in a liquid state at room temperature. Room temperature is typically considered to be around 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Bromine is unique among non-metals because it is a liquid under these conditions, with a melting point of -7.2 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 58.8 degrees Celsius. This allows bromine to remain in a liquid state at room temperature.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Mercury**: Although mercury is a liquid at room temperature, it is not a non-metal. Mercury is a metal, specifically a transition metal, and therefore does not fit the criteria of the question, which asks for a non-metal.

2. **Iodine**: Iodine is a non-metal, but it exists as a solid at room temperature. It has a melting point of 113.7 degrees Celsius, which is much higher than room temperature, meaning it does not exist in a liquid state under normal conditions.

3. **Chlorine**: Chlorine is also a non-metal, but it exists as a gas at room temperature. It has a boiling point of -34.04 degrees Celsius, which means it is a gas at room temperature and not a liquid.

Therefore, based on the properties of these elements, bromine is the only non-metal that is in a liquid state at room temperature, making Option 3 the correct answer.