Question

In a crystal, the atoms are located at the position of

(a) maximum P.E.
(b) minimum P.E.
(c) zero P.E.
(d) infinite P.E.

Answer 1

In a crystal the atoms are located at minimum potential energy. This is because there is an equilibrium between attractive and repulsive forces exist between the atoms to make the atom more stable. This happens when the potential energy is minimum.