From the graph, what is the bond length in the H2 molecule? What is the bond strength in the H2 molecule?

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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From the graph, what is the bond length in the H2 molecule? What is the bond strength in the H2 molecule?
## Formation of the H₂ Molecule as Atomic Orbitals Overlap

### Graph Explanation

The graph illustrates the potential energy changes as two hydrogen atoms approach each other to form an H₂ molecule. The x-axis represents the H–H distance in angstroms (Å), while the y-axis shows the energy in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol).

- **Energy Curve**: The red curve represents the potential energy of the two atoms. 
  - As the atoms get closer, the energy decreases, reaching a minimum point, indicating the most stable arrangement.
  - Beyond this minimum, the energy increases due to nucleus-nucleus repulsion.

- **Key Points on the Graph**:
  - **0.74 Å**: The optimal distance where the potential energy is minimized, showing a stable H₂ molecule.
  - **Potential Energy Decrease**: As labeled, the potential energy decreases with increasing orbital overlap, suggesting greater stability.
  - **Balance Between Forces**: A point where attractive and repulsive forces are balanced, leading to molecular stability.
  - **Nucleus-Nucleus Repulsion**: As the distance decreases beyond the optimal point, repulsion becomes increasingly significant, causing energy to rise.

The illustration includes diagrams of atomic orbitals at various distances, demonstrating how orbital overlap affects energy levels.

### Concept Summary

This graph serves to show how the balance between attractive and repulsive forces during atomic interactions leads to the formation of stable molecules such as H₂. Understanding these interactions and energy changes is crucial in molecular chemistry.
Transcribed Image Text:## Formation of the H₂ Molecule as Atomic Orbitals Overlap ### Graph Explanation The graph illustrates the potential energy changes as two hydrogen atoms approach each other to form an H₂ molecule. The x-axis represents the H–H distance in angstroms (Å), while the y-axis shows the energy in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol). - **Energy Curve**: The red curve represents the potential energy of the two atoms. - As the atoms get closer, the energy decreases, reaching a minimum point, indicating the most stable arrangement. - Beyond this minimum, the energy increases due to nucleus-nucleus repulsion. - **Key Points on the Graph**: - **0.74 Å**: The optimal distance where the potential energy is minimized, showing a stable H₂ molecule. - **Potential Energy Decrease**: As labeled, the potential energy decreases with increasing orbital overlap, suggesting greater stability. - **Balance Between Forces**: A point where attractive and repulsive forces are balanced, leading to molecular stability. - **Nucleus-Nucleus Repulsion**: As the distance decreases beyond the optimal point, repulsion becomes increasingly significant, causing energy to rise. The illustration includes diagrams of atomic orbitals at various distances, demonstrating how orbital overlap affects energy levels. ### Concept Summary This graph serves to show how the balance between attractive and repulsive forces during atomic interactions leads to the formation of stable molecules such as H₂. Understanding these interactions and energy changes is crucial in molecular chemistry.
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