Question

The potential energy curve for interaction between two molecules is shown in Fig. 8.277. Which of the following statements are true?

• A. The molecules have maximum attraction for $r=OA$
• B. The molecules have maximum kinetic energy for $r=OB$
• C. The intermolecular force is zero for $r=OB$
• D. For the gaseous state, the depth BD of the potential energy curve is much smaller than KT.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C), (D)

The intermolecular force is zero for $r=OB$
For the gaseous state, the depth BD of the potential energy curve is much smaller than KT.
The molecules have maximum kinetic energy for $r=OB$

As two atoms or molecules comes closer the attractive forces between them starts increasing and at the same time the repulsive force. Starts generating due to electron or the repulsion between two nucleus. It gets balanced at point $B$ as in the shown figure and on further decrement in distance the strong repulsive force generates due to inter nuclear repulsion.