Answer to Question #271242 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Cheppie

Question

The total potential energy of a system of two atoms is given by

U=-p/r³+q/r^6

The atoms form a stable bond at a bond length of 3.2 Å with the release of 12 eV.

a) Calculate p and q.

b) Determine the critical distance.

• At critical separation, force is maximum

c) Find the force needed to dissociate this molecule.

Answer 1

a)

$p=6,~q=-3,$

b)

$d=4.7~Å,$

c)

$F=2.7~pN.$