Question: The potential energy function for either one of the two atoms in a diatomic molecule is often approximated by U(x) =-ax 12 -bx 6 where

The potential energy function for either one of the two atoms in a diatomic molecule is often approximated by U(x) =-ax12-bx6 where x is the distance between the atoms.

(a) At what distance of separation does the potential energy have a local minimum (not at x=)

(b) What is the force on an atom at this separation?

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Physics Questions!