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Grade 12Mechanics

The potential energy of a diatomic molecule is given by U = A/r12 - B/r6 where r is the distance between the atoms that make up the molecule and A,B are positive constants. Find the equilibrium separation betweeen atoms

Profile image of Manu R
14 Years agoGrade 12
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2 Answers

Profile image of gaurav bansal
14 Years ago

for equilibrium positions  dU/dR= -F must be zero

U=A/r12-B/r6   

dU/dR=  -12A/r13+6B/r7=0

B/r7=2A/r13

r6=2A/B

r=(2A/B)1/6

Profile image of Rishi Sharma
5 Years ago
Dear Student,
Please find below the solution to your problem.

645-890_01.PNG
Thanks and Regards