bromine and mercury are the only 2 liquids on the periodic table, could you predict this? why or why not?
As an AI, I can explain why bromine and mercury are the only two elements in the liquid state at room temperature on the periodic table, but I cannot predict this fact.
The physical state of an element at room temperature is determined by its boiling point. Elements with boiling points below room temperature are typically in the gas phase, while those with boiling points above room temperature are generally in the solid phase. However, elements with boiling points close to room temperature can exist as liquids.
Bromine (Br) and mercury (Hg) are the only two elements that have boiling points close to or below room temperature, which allows them to exist as liquids under normal conditions. Bromine has a boiling point of 58.8°C (137.8°F), while mercury has a boiling point of 356.7°C (674.1°F).
It's important to note that the physical state of an element can be altered by changing the temperature and pressure conditions. For example, under high pressure, other elements like hydrogen and oxygen can exist as liquids.
In conclusion, the fact that bromine and mercury are the only two liquids on the periodic table at room temperature is a result of their boiling points being close to or below room temperature.