The potential energy diagrams show interaction of two hydrogen atoms (red curve) and two helium atoms (blue curve). Why is the potential energy minima of hydrogen much deeper than that of helium? Make sure to discuss the types of interactions/bonds between the atoms and their relative strengths. PE He He Created with WhiteboardFox.com BIU X₂ X² A

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The potential energy diagrams show interaction of two hydrogen atoms (red curve) and two helium atoms (blue curve). Why is the potential energy minima of hydrogen much deeper than that of helium? Make sure to discuss the types of interactions/bonds between the atoms and their relative strengths.

**Diagram Explanation:**

The graph illustrates potential energy (PE) as a function of the distance \( r \) between atoms. The x-axis represents the distance \( r \), while the y-axis represents potential energy (PE).

- **Red Curve (Hydrogen-Hydrogen Interaction):**
  - The red curve shows a steep decrease, indicating a strong attractive force as the hydrogen atoms approach each other.
  - The curve then reaches a significant minimum, suggesting a stable interaction with low potential energy (a stable bond).

- **Blue Curve (Helium-Helium Interaction):**
  - The blue curve shows a less steep decrease, indicating a weaker attraction between helium atoms.
  - The minimum is much shallower than that of hydrogen, reflecting a weaker interaction and less stability.

**Discussion Points:**

- **Bonding Explanation:**
  - Hydrogen atoms form covalent bonds, resulting in a significant potential energy minimum due to electron sharing.
  - Helium atoms interact via weak Van der Waals forces, resulting in a smaller change in potential energy.

- **Relative Strengths:**
  - The stronger covalent bond in hydrogen leads to a deeper potential energy minimum compared to the weaker intermolecular forces between helium atoms.

This graph effectively demonstrates the difference in bonding and interaction strengths between hydrogen and helium atoms.
Transcribed Image Text:**Transcript and Explanation for Educational Website** **Text:** The potential energy diagrams show interaction of two hydrogen atoms (red curve) and two helium atoms (blue curve). Why is the potential energy minima of hydrogen much deeper than that of helium? Make sure to discuss the types of interactions/bonds between the atoms and their relative strengths. **Diagram Explanation:** The graph illustrates potential energy (PE) as a function of the distance \( r \) between atoms. The x-axis represents the distance \( r \), while the y-axis represents potential energy (PE). - **Red Curve (Hydrogen-Hydrogen Interaction):** - The red curve shows a steep decrease, indicating a strong attractive force as the hydrogen atoms approach each other. - The curve then reaches a significant minimum, suggesting a stable interaction with low potential energy (a stable bond). - **Blue Curve (Helium-Helium Interaction):** - The blue curve shows a less steep decrease, indicating a weaker attraction between helium atoms. - The minimum is much shallower than that of hydrogen, reflecting a weaker interaction and less stability. **Discussion Points:** - **Bonding Explanation:** - Hydrogen atoms form covalent bonds, resulting in a significant potential energy minimum due to electron sharing. - Helium atoms interact via weak Van der Waals forces, resulting in a smaller change in potential energy. - **Relative Strengths:** - The stronger covalent bond in hydrogen leads to a deeper potential energy minimum compared to the weaker intermolecular forces between helium atoms. This graph effectively demonstrates the difference in bonding and interaction strengths between hydrogen and helium atoms.
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