Question

On the graph, which shows the potential energy curve of two N atoms, carefully sketch a curve that corresponds to the potential energy of two O atoms versus the distance between their nuclei.

Answer 1

The strong attraction of each shared electron to both nuclei stabilizes the system, and the potential energy decreases as the bond distance decreases. If the atoms continue to approach each other, the positive charges in the two nuclei begin to repel each other, and the potential energy increases.

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Answer 2

The graph is attached with the answer which shows the potential energy between two O atoms vs the distance between the nuclei.

• There is a position with lowest potential energy that corresponds to the most stable position.
• When the two atoms of Oxygen are brought together, a point comes when the potential energy of the system becomes stable.
• But if we try to bring them too close then they would repel each other and the potential energy of system will increase and at a point it tends to infinity.
• And if the distance is very large then the potential energy is almost nil.