Which plot best represents the potential energy 
of two hydrogen atoms as they approach one another to form a hydrogen molecule?
Text Solution
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As the two H-atoms approach each other, the force of attraction between the nucleus of one and electron of the other, and vice-versa comes into play. This process is accompanied by decrease in potential energy. The distance at which the repulsive forces are exactly balanced by attractive forces is bond length. Here, the energy is minimum. If the two atoms are further brought closer to each other, repulsive forces become more dominant and energy increases.
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