Chapter 8: Q3 E (page 446)

Explain why bonds occur at specific average bond distances instead of the atoms approaching each other infinitely close.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Both attractive and repulsive force act between the two atoms. The atoms can approach others only till the point the attractive interactions are dominant over repulsive interactions.

Step by step solution

Definition of Concept

Repulsive interactions occur between particles with similar charges, while attractive interactions occur between particles with opposite charges.

Explain why bonds occur at specific average bond distances instead of the atoms

When two atoms come close together, the following interactions become active:

1) Attractive interactions between the atom's electrons and neutrons 2

2) Attractive interactions between atom 1's neutrons and atom 2's electrons

3) Repulsive interactions between atom 1's electrons and atom 2's electrons

4) Repulsive interactions between atom 1's neutrons and atom 2's neutrons

Therefore, both attractive and repulsive interactions are effective. When two atoms approach each other, attractive forces prevail over repulsive forces until they reach a certain distance apart, at which point repulsive forces triumph over attractive forces when the atoms are in close proximity.

As a result, instead of two atoms approaching each other infinitely closely, bonds occur at average specific bond distances.