Atomic Bonding in Metals: Kinetic & Potential Energy

In summary, when individual atoms bond to form a metal lattice, the total energy decreases. The kinetic energy of the electrons increases due to the increased overlap of their wavefunctions. The potential energy also increases due to Pauli exclusion, but decreases due to the decrease in distance between the ion and electron. However, if the system is compressed, the increasing kinetic energy and exclusion principle will outweigh the decrease in electrostatic potential, leading to a higher total energy and potentially causing the metal to turn into a gas.
  • #1
number4
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When individual atoms bond to form a metal lattice, the total energy decreases, but does the kinetic energy of the electrons increase or decrease? What about the potential energy? Does it increase due to pauli exclusion or decrease due to the decrease in distance between the ion and electron? Thanks a lot!
 
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  • #2
Kinetic energy goes up when atoms bond. If you think of it from a tight-binding perspective, as atoms move closer together the overlap of the electron's wavefunctions increase, which increases the ability for the electrons to hop from one atom to another.

Potential energy will both increase due to Pauli exclusion and decrease due to the decreasing the ion-electron distance. When going from isolated atoms to bonded atoms, the ionic attraction wins over Pauli exclusion. But if you increase pressure and compress the system, then the increasing kinetic energy and exclusion principle will increase the total energy more the electrostatic potential will decrease it.
 
  • #3
kanato said:
But if you increase pressure and compress the system, then the increasing kinetic energy and exclusion principle will increase the total energy more the electrostatic potential will decrease it.

This part doesn't seem right. If the energy is higher in the bonded state than the unbonded state due to increased pressure, then the metal will turn into a gas. Can you give an example of this happening?

Increasing the pressure should favor the formation of solid bonds, rather than the reverse. That is, the decrease in electrostatic potential energy should always win out.
 

1. What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy in atomic bonding in metals?

Kinetic energy refers to the energy of motion, while potential energy refers to the stored energy of an object. In atomic bonding in metals, kinetic energy is associated with the movement of electrons between atoms, while potential energy is associated with the attraction between positively charged atomic nuclei and negatively charged electrons.

2. How does atomic bonding in metals affect the properties of metals?

Atomic bonding in metals results in the formation of a metallic lattice, which gives metals their unique properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and ductility. The strength of the bonding also influences the melting and boiling points of metals.

3. Can atomic bonding in metals be broken?

Yes, atomic bonding in metals can be broken through the application of external energy, such as heat or pressure. This breaks the bonds between atoms, causing the metal to change phase or even melt. However, the strength of the bonding varies depending on the type of metal and the conditions it is subjected to.

4. How does the arrangement of atoms in a metal affect its bonding and energy?

The arrangement of atoms in a metal, also known as its crystal structure, impacts the strength of the atomic bonding and the energy required to break these bonds. For example, in a face-centered cubic structure, atoms are packed closely together, resulting in strong bonding and higher energy requirements for breaking these bonds.

5. What role do electrons play in atomic bonding in metals?

Electrons play a crucial role in atomic bonding in metals as they are responsible for the electrical conductivity and bonding between atoms. In metallic bonding, electrons are delocalized and can move freely throughout the metal lattice, allowing for the transfer of kinetic energy and the formation of strong bonds between atoms.

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