🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Bromine
• Discovered By: Antoine Jérôme Balard
• Year of Discovery: 1826
• Category: Halogen
• Group: 17 (Group VIIA – Halogens)
• State at Room Temperature: Liquid (reddish-brown) 🧴

Bromine is a dark reddish-brown liquid and is one of only two elements that are liquid at room temperature (the other is mercury). It belongs to the halogen family, known for their strong reactivity.

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: Br
• Atomic Number: 35
• Atomic Mass: ~79.90 u
• Valency: Usually 1
• Electronic Configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁵

Bromine is highly reactive and easily forms compounds called bromides with many elements, especially metals.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Bromine is found naturally in saltwater and in the Earth’s crust in compounds. Because of its strong and unpleasant smell, its name comes from the Greek word “bromos,” meaning stench. 😖

Though toxic and corrosive, it is widely used in industry and agriculture when handled safely.

🤔 Interesting Facts

• Bromine is the only nonmetallic element that is a liquid at room temperature! 🌡️
• It was used in film photography before digital cameras took over. 📷
• Bromine vapor is very toxic, and direct contact can cause burns. ☠️
• In small amounts, bromide salts were once used as sedatives.
• It gives off orange-red fumes, especially when heated. 🔥

🔧 Common Uses

• Flame Retardants: Used to reduce flammability in furniture, electronics, and fabrics. 🔥🪑
• Water Treatment: Used as a disinfectant in swimming pools and hot tubs. 🏊‍♂️
• Agriculture: Bromine compounds are used in pesticides and fumigants. 🌾
• Photography: Used in making light-sensitive photographic films. 📸
• Pharmaceuticals: Certain brominated compounds are used in medicines and research.

📚 Conclusion

Bromine may be smelly and dangerous in pure form, but when used correctly, it’s a powerful and useful element. From flame safety to pool cleaning, bromine proves that even liquids on the periodic table can have a big role in modern life. For students, it’s a fascinating element that combines chemistry, safety, and everyday science! 🧪🌍