Question

1. the graph shows the amount of potential energy between 2 hydrogen atoms. at which point on the graph would a molecule of h₂ be the most stable (circle it)? describe why. h - h 1/2 = s 1 page

Explanation:

The most stable point for a hydrogen - hydrogen molecule is at the minimum of the potential energy curve. This is because at this internuclear distance, the attractive and repulsive forces between the two hydrogen atoms are balanced. The attractive forces are due to the interaction of the electrons with the nuclei, and the repulsive forces are between the two positively - charged nuclei and between the two electrons. When the potential energy is at a minimum, the system has the lowest energy state and is most stable.

Answer:

The most stable point is the minimum point on the potential energy graph. Circle this minimum point on the graph.