Question

The potential energy $U$ between two atoms in a diatomic molecule as a function of the distance $x$ between atom has been shown in the adjoining figure. The atoms are

• A. Attracted when $x$ lies between $A \, and \, B$ and are repelled when $x$ lies between $B \, and \, C$
• B. Attracted when $x$ lies between $B \, and \, C$ and are repelled when $x$ lies between $A \, and \, B$
• C. Attracted when they reach $B$
• D. repelled when they reach $B$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Negative value of potential energy decreases from $C \, to \, B$ and there after increases. It shows that kinetic energy increases from $C \, to \, B$ and there after it decreases. So, there is attraction from $C \, to \, B$ and after which repulsion results.