The potential energy function for either one of the two atoms in a diatomic molecule is often approximated by U(x) = −a/x12 − b/x6 where x is the distance between the atoms. (a) At what distance of seperation does the potential energy have a local minimum (not at x = ∞)? (b) What is the force on an atom at this separation? (c) How does the force vary with the separation distance?

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The potential energy function for either one of the two atoms in a diatomic molecule is often approximated by U(x) = −a/x12 − b/x6 where x is the distance between the atoms. (a) At what distance of seperation does the potential energy have a local minimum (not at x = ∞)? (b) What is the force on an atom at this separation? (c) How does the force vary with the separation distance?

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