Chapter 8, Problem 81A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The attractive and repulsive forces between the two atoms moving closer together needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Non-ionic compounds share electrons to form bonds. The bond which results from the formation of electron sharing is termed as covalent bond. In this bonding the shared pair of electrons is taken from the outermost energy level of the atoms involved in the bonding.

Answer to Problem 81A

As two atoms move towards each other, the nucleus attracts electron cloud of the other atom. There is also repulsion which takes place between nuclei, and between clouds of electrons.

Explanation of Solution

When two atoms approach each other, positively charged nucleus of one atom attracts negatively charged electrons of other atom. There are also repulsive forces between the nuclei of the two atoms as well as the electrons of each atom. The net force of attraction increases as the atom comes closer. Overall attractive force is increased after a certain maximum distance. The repulsive force exceeds the attractive force if the atoms move further.

Conclusion

If two atoms are forced to bind together, the electrons and nuclei repel each other.