At some point, the repulsive force grows so strong that the atoms stop approach and begin to move apart, causing the potential energy of the system to decrease. In the box below, explain this behavior: why do the atoms repel and move apart? (Hint: think about the electrons.)

Physical Chemistry
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781133958437
Author:Ball, David W. (david Warren), BAER, Tomas
Publisher:Ball, David W. (david Warren), BAER, Tomas
Chapter15: Introduction To Electronic Spectroscopy And Structure
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 15.30E
icon
Related questions
Question
At some point, the repulsive force grows so strong that
the atoms stop approach and begin to move apart,
causing the potential energy of the system to
decrease.
In the box below, explain this behavior: why do the
atoms repel and move apart? (Hint: think about the
electrons.)
Transcribed Image Text:At some point, the repulsive force grows so strong that the atoms stop approach and begin to move apart, causing the potential energy of the system to decrease. In the box below, explain this behavior: why do the atoms repel and move apart? (Hint: think about the electrons.)
After you watch for a few minutes, you'll notice that as
the atoms get very close to one another, the repulsive
force increases (symbolized by green force arrows that
point away from each other). This increase in the
repulsive force causes the potential energy of the
system (on the potential energy curve) to increase.
This is reproduced on the figure below, with specific
reference to the circled region.
Potential
Energy
Distance between atomic centers
Transcribed Image Text:After you watch for a few minutes, you'll notice that as the atoms get very close to one another, the repulsive force increases (symbolized by green force arrows that point away from each other). This increase in the repulsive force causes the potential energy of the system (on the potential energy curve) to increase. This is reproduced on the figure below, with specific reference to the circled region. Potential Energy Distance between atomic centers
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Quantum Mechanical Treatment of Valence Bond Theory
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Physical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781133958437
Author:
Ball, David W. (david Warren), BAER, Tomas
Publisher:
Wadsworth Cengage Learning,
Principles of Modern Chemistry
Principles of Modern Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079113
Author:
David W. Oxtoby, H. Pat Gillis, Laurie J. Butler
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Fundamentals Of Analytical Chemistry
Fundamentals Of Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285640686
Author:
Skoog
Publisher:
Cengage
World of Chemistry, 3rd edition
World of Chemistry, 3rd edition
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781133109655
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Brooks / Cole / Cengage Learning
Chemistry for Engineering Students
Chemistry for Engineering Students
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337398909
Author:
Lawrence S. Brown, Tom Holme
Publisher:
Cengage Learning