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Chemistry Forums for Students => Physical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: msk034 on October 22, 2014, 04:29:48 AM

Title: Why do helium atoms repel each other?
Post by: msk034 on October 22, 2014, 04:29:48 AM

Is it because of some QM principles?

Title: Re: Why do helium atoms repel each other?
Post by: Hunter2 on October 22, 2014, 04:38:52 AM

The first shell is full with 2 electrons. So there no tendency to get more or loose electrons. So atoms don't attract much each other. Only some van de Waals forces.

Title: Re: Why do helium atoms repel each other?
Post by: Irlanur on October 22, 2014, 06:13:07 AM

Quote

Is it because of some QM principles?

everything in chemistry is.

to the original question. they don't repel in general, depends on the distance.

Title: Re: Why do helium atoms repel each other?
Post by: Enthalpy on October 22, 2014, 01:51:42 PM

Helium exists as a liquid so the atoms can attract an other, at least at angstromic distance. If you squeeze them too close, they will repel an other.