Question

why does magnesium flouride have higher melting point than magnesium chloride

Answer 1

greater dipole moment

Answer 2

the fluoride ion has an equal charge but smaller radius than the chloride ion. Coulombic forces hold these ions together, so if the distance between the +2 and -1 is smaller, the attraction is greater.

Answer 3

basically the flouride has more chemical compounds then the chloride ok xhiddu

Answer 4

But JFraser, you're not pulling the individual atoms apart so the bond strength is not relevant. This deals with intermolecular forces, as you heat up the substance you're reducing the attraction between adjacent units. Greater dipole moment, \(\chi_{Mg}-\chi_F>\chi_{Mg}-\chi_{F} \), greater attraction.