How Do Boiling Point, Freezing Point, and Melting Point Vary in the Periodic Table?

These physical properties show patterns in the periodic table:

• Across a period: Boiling and melting points generally increase from left to center (metals to metalloids) and then decrease toward the right (nonmetals).
• Down a group: For metals, these points usually decrease as atoms get bigger and metallic bonds weaken. For non-metals, they typically increase due to stronger van der Waals forces.

There is no simple rule for all elements, but these are the most common trends.