Five simulations covering Topic 11: colour, state and volatility down the halogens, displacement reactions and the order of oxidising power, the stability and acid strength of the hydrogen halides, the disproportionation of chlorine in water and alkali, and the silver nitrate test for halide ions.
The halogens are diatomic molecules held together by instantaneous dipole forces. Down the group the molecules have more electrons, so those forces grow and the elements change from gas to liquid to solid. Warm each one and see when it boils.
A halogen higher in the group will take electrons from the halide ion of one lower down. Pick a halogen and a halide solution, mix them, and see whether the colour changes. The pattern gives the order of oxidising power.
Down the group the H–X bond gets longer and weaker, so the hydrogen halide is less stable to heat and, in water, a stronger acid. Heat each one with a hot wire and see which one splits.
Chlorine disproportionates: the same element is both oxidised and reduced. In water it gives the mixture that treats drinking water; in cold alkali it gives bleach; in hot alkali it goes further still.
Add dilute nitric acid, then silver nitrate solution. Each halide gives a precipitate of a different colour, and they are told apart by whether they dissolve in dilute or concentrated ammonia. Run the test on an unknown.
The halogens in 3D changing state as you heat them, displacement reactions with the colour changes that give the order of oxidising power, hydrogen halide bond strength and acid strength, chlorine disproportionating in water and in cold and hot alkali, and the silver nitrate and ammonia test for halide ions.
Five simulations covering Topic 11: colour, state and volatility down the halogens, displacement reactions and the order of oxidising power, the stability and acid strength of the hydrogen halides, the disproportionation of chlorine in water and alkali, and the silver nitrate test for halide ions.
Group 17 is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 (topic 11 Group 17, sections 11.1 Physical properties of the Group 17 elements, 11.2 The chemical properties of the halogens and their hydrides, 11.3 Some reactions of the halide ions). The same ideas are examined in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 (topic 12 Experimental techniques and chemical analysis, topic 8 The Periodic Table). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (AS)), Paper 2 (AS Structured), Paper 3 (Advanced Practical), Paper 4 (A Level Structured), Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis, Evaluation). Syllabus for examination in 2025-2027. There are 5 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.
Full syllabus map: AS Level Chemistry 9701 topic 11.
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