The potential energy of a system of two atoms as a function of their internuclear distance is shown — Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
The potential energy of a system of two atoms as a function of their internuclear distance is shown in the diagram above. [VISUAL] Which of the following is true regarding the forces between the atoms when their internuclear distance is x ?
A.✓ Correct
The attractive and repulsive forces are balanced, so the atoms will maintain an average internuclear distance x .
B.
There is a net repulsive force pushing the atoms apart, so the atoms will move further apart.
C.
There is a net attractive force pulling the atoms together, so the atoms will move closer together.
D.
It cannot be determined whether the forces between atoms are balanced, attractive, or repulsive, because the diagram shows only the potential energy.
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