The potential energy function for either one of the two atoms in a diatomic molecule is often approximated by U(x) = −a/x12 − b/x6 where x is the distance between the atoms. (a) At what distance of seperation does the potential energy have a local minimum (not at x = ∞)? (b) What is the force on an atom at this separation? (c) How does the force vary with the separation distance?

The potential energy function for either one of the two atoms in a diatomic molecule is often approximated by U(x) = −a/x12 − b/x6 where x is the distance between the atoms. (a) At what distance of seperation does the potential energy have a local minimum (not at x = ∞)? (b) What is the force on an atom at this separation? (c) How does the force vary with the separation distance?