Problem 9.5 The plot below(Figure 1) shows the potential energy of two Cl atoms

Question

Problem 9.5 The plot below(Figure 1) shows the potential energy of two Cl atoms as a function of the distance between them. Figure 1 of 1 C1-Cl distance Part A To what does an energy of zero comespond in this diagram? Essay answers are limited to about 500 words (3800 characters maximum, including spaces). 3800 Character (s) remaining Submit My Answers Give Part B e-bond model, why does the energy decrease as the Cl According to the valenc atoms move from a large separation to a sma aller one? Essay answers are limited to about 500 words (3800 characters maximum, including spaces). 3800 Character(s) remaining Submit My Answers Give Up Part C What is the significance of the Cl C distance at the minimum point in the plot?

Explanation / Answer

A) The diagram is drawn by assuming that the two chlorine atoms are brought from infinity. At that point, there is no interaction between them and hence the energy is zero.

B) As Cl atoms are brought together to a smaller seperation, the attractive force dominate. This attraction of electrons in one chlorine by the nucleus of the other chlorine atom and vice versa results in the decrease of energy.

C) The Cl-Cl distance at minimum point indicates the equilibrium Cl-Cl bond length

D) Bringing chlorine atoms beyond the minimum point increases the interelectronic and internuclear repulsion which dominate all the attractive forces. Hence the energy rises above the minimum.

E) The energy corresponding to the minimum point is the bond energy of Cl2 molecule. Therefore this energy is the bond strength.

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