Question

The figure below is the plot of potential energy versus internuclear distance (d) of H₂ molecule in the electronic ground state. What is the value of the net potential energy E₀ (as indicated in the figure) in kJ mol⁻¹ , for d = d₀ at which the electron-electron repulsion and the nucleus-nucleus repulsion energies are absent? As reference, the potential energy of H atom is taken as zero when its electron and the nucleus are infinitely far apart. Use Avogadro constant as 6.023 × 10²³ mol⁻¹ .

Answer 1

At d = d₀, nucleus-nucleus & electron-electron repulsion is absent. 

Hence potential energy will be calculated for 2 H atoms. (P.E. due to attraction of proton & electron)

For 2 H atoms = –5246.49 kJ/mol