Why carbon has a higher melting point than iodine?

Answer 1

As you can see on the Periodic Table..

Carbon is number 6.

And Iodine is 53.

Carbon, loves it's electrons more than Iodine.

So it is said that Carbon has a higher electronegativity, and wants to keep it's electrons as long as possible. (Electron config: 2,4)

Iodine, loves it's electrons less than Carbon.

As it's has many more electron shells and electrons it has a lower electronegativity.

When Iodine is heated, it has a a lower melting point than Carbon because of this electronegativity (it doesn't really want it's electrons) and so the bonds breaks, quicker than what the bonds of the Carbon atom do.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Carbon has a higher melting point than iodine because carbon atoms form a strong covalent network structure in diamond, which requires a lot of energy to break. In contrast, iodine atoms are held together by weak van der Waals forces, making it easier to overcome these forces and melt iodine at a lower temperature.