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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: oilypiggy on March 20, 2019, 02:09:44 AM

Title: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: oilypiggy on March 20, 2019, 02:09:44 AM

Im confused a bit about this question, what value is it referring to?

Title: Re: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: Borek on March 20, 2019, 04:35:10 AM

"the distance between nuclei is at the most likely value" = "nuclei are separated by the most likely distance" = "nuclei are at the most likely distance"

Title: Re: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: oilypiggy on March 20, 2019, 04:52:17 AM

Is that answer correct then for e)?

Title: Re: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: Enthalpy on March 20, 2019, 06:51:03 AM

The question refers explicitly to the distance e.

"Most likely distance" supposes implicitly that the molecules are formed and don't vibrate too much. At 3000K it wouldn't be the case.

Title: Re: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: oilypiggy on March 21, 2019, 01:14:27 AM

So what is the most likely distance at e)?

Title: Re: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: Mitch on March 21, 2019, 09:24:29 AM

The diagram is about nuclei separation, it has little to do with electron separation. Once electrons are close enough to overlap and form bonds they become indistinguishable, and discussing electron distance from each other becomes a bit meaningless.

Title: Re: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: oilypiggy on March 24, 2019, 10:17:45 PM

Ah so the distance between nuclei would be the most likely value then?

Title: Re: Atomic Interaction Energy Graph
Post by: Mitch on March 26, 2019, 09:40:51 AM

Correct.