The correct answer is A. Please explain why and how I should have thought this t

Question

The correct answer is A. Please explain why and how I should have thought this through.

As two atoms approach one another in space, the potential energy decreases then increases as shown in the diagram below 8 8 Internuclear distance (nm) Energy joules) -10 -200 -30 -400 To what are these two changes attributed? NOTE: p proton, e electron] decrease from 0.40 to 0.15 nm increase (from 0.15 to 0 nm) (A) increased p e attraction increased p'p repulsion (B) increased p e attraction increased e e repulsion (C) decreased pp repulsion increased e e repulsion (D) decreased p e repulsion increased p p' repulsion

Explanation / Answer

Answer. A)

When the 2 atoms approach each other, initially both are attracted due to the attraction between the protons and electrons of each other, which is far greater than repulsion forces of electron electron and proton proton.

But as the distance approaches from .15nm to 0nm i.e the size of nucleus scale, the protons of both atoms are far closer and repulsion takes over and it outweighs the attraction.

Also according to Universal law of Gravitation; F= G(m1*m2)/(r2)

Hence since mass of electrons is far greater than that of electrons, the protons repulse each other more forcefully.

Hence an increase in potential energy.

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