CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
For a certain diatomic molecule, the potential-energy curve reaches its minimum (−260kJ mol−1) at an internuclear separation of 135pm. Which statement best describes what happens to the potential energy when the two nuclei are pushed together to 100pm without breaking the bond?
(a) It decreases because the attractive force between the two atoms becomes stronger as they move closer together.
(b) It stays nearly the same since the bond energy is fixed for a given molecule.
(c) It increases because strong repulsive forces dominate at separations shorter than 135pm.
(d) It decreases further to about −320kJ mol−1 as the bond becomes even stronger at the shorter distance.