The potential energy function for either one of the two atoms in a diatomic molecule is often approximated by U(x) = −alx¹² — b/x6 where x is the distance between the atoms. (a) At what distance of separation does the potential energy have a local minimum (x = ∞) ?

icon
Related questions
Question
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 separation does the potential energy
have a local minimum (x = ∞) ?
Transcribed Image Text: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 separation does the potential energy have a local minimum (x = ∞) ?
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer