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Why is the melting point of nitrogen ($\ce{N2}$) greater than that of oxygen ($\ce{O2}$)? After all, both are non-polar, and $\ce{O2}$ has more electrons than $\ce{N2}$.

In addition, why is the boiling point of both opposite? I mean, why is the boiling point of oxygen greater than that of nitrogen, even though the melting point of nitrogen is greater than that of oxygen?

znerd
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Saar Segen
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    Crystal structures are different, so the solid bonding is different. Details of this inter-molecular interactions are clearly different. If you want a simple answer it won’t happen… – Jon Custer Jan 26 '24 at 01:28
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    This is a valid question which does not have a simple answer. Most questions involving crystal structures in one way or another are like that. – Ivan Neretin Jan 26 '24 at 07:12
  • I understand, thanks. – Saar Segen Jan 26 '24 at 09:21
  • For boiling point comparisons see here. – Oscar Lanzi Jan 27 '24 at 18:29
  • Thanks for the answer, but I didn't really understand its connection. If we talk about boiling point, then the boiling point of oxygen is higher than that of nitrogen because the London forces are stronger in oxygen, and there is no point in going to such a level of depth. – Saar Segen Jan 27 '24 at 19:14
  • Please read my answer more carefully. Fluorine has more electrons but its bp drops off. We have to go more in depth to learn why. – Oscar Lanzi Jan 27 '24 at 19:48

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