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intermolecular forces



Hi,

I have a question on an intermolecular force between a pair of molecules. The force is electrostatic and it is a negative of the rate at which electric potential varies with respect to separation. At equilibrium separation (= r0) there is no net force between the molecules and their potential energy has a minimum value. An increase in separation leads to an attractive force and a decrease in separation produces a repulsive force. It is easy to see this from the force against separation graph. But is there a good qualitative explanation why the force is attractive if r > r0 and repulsive if r < r0 ? Of course quantitative explanation would be nice as well.

The model described above is introduced in some high school books without explanation. Linus Pauling was the first one to apply quantum mechanics in chemical bonds. Is it even possible to understand a chemical bond using classical physics?

Regards,

Antti Savinainen
Kuopio Lyseo High School/IB