The energy of a molecule has what sign?

In summary, the potential energy of a system is generally given relative to a zero point and can be either positive or negative. The change in potential energy between two configurations is what is of physical significance. The electrostatic energy of atoms can also be negative, and a lower negative energy value indicates a more stable state. This can be seen in the example provided where a molecule with -75 Ha energy is lower than one with -70 Ha energy.
  • #1
Lotto
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TL;DR Summary
Is it negative or positive? I saw it with negative sign. If it is correct, then why is the energy negative?
And have all molecules or even atoms negative energies? So when a molecule have energy let's say -70 Ha and the other -75 Ha, does it mean that the second molecule has a lower energy?
 
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  • #2
Lotto said:
I saw it with negative sign.

Where did you see it? Show us.
 
  • #3
Lotto said:
TL;DR Summary: Is it negative or positive? I saw it with negative sign. If it is correct, then why is the energy negative?
Energy is generally given relative to some arbitrary zero point. E.g. in Newtonian gravity, the zero point for a system of two masses is usually taken to be when the masses are "infinitely" far apart. In which case, the potential energy of the system is given by:$$U = -\frac{Gm_1m_2}{r}$$where ##r## is the distance between the masses. There is no physical significance of this being negative. You could equally take the potential energy to be:$$U = U_0 -\frac{Gm_1m_2}{r}$$for some constant ##U_0##. This would give a value of zero for some finite value of ##r = r_0## and the potential energy would be positive or negative, depending on the value of ##r##.

What's of physical significance is the change in potential energy between two configurations.

Lotto said:
And have all molecules or even atoms negative energies? So when a molecule have energy let's say -70 Ha and the other -75 Ha, does it mean that the second molecule has a lower energy?
Likewise, the electrostatic energy of an atom is generally taken to be relative to some zero point and is often negative. And, yes, ##-75 \ Ha## is less than ##-70 \ Ha##. You need to put ##+10 \ Ha## into the system to change it from the first energy level to the second energy level, in this case.
 

1. What is the definition of energy in a molecule?

The energy of a molecule refers to the amount of potential energy stored within the bonds of the atoms that make up the molecule.

2. What determines the sign of the energy in a molecule?

The sign of the energy in a molecule is determined by the type of bond and the direction of the bond's dipole moment. A bond with a positive dipole moment will have a positive energy, while a bond with a negative dipole moment will have a negative energy.

3. How is the energy of a molecule measured?

The energy of a molecule can be measured using techniques such as spectroscopy, calorimetry, and molecular modeling. These methods allow scientists to determine the energy levels of the molecule's bonds and overall structure.

4. Can the energy of a molecule change?

Yes, the energy of a molecule can change. It can be affected by external factors such as temperature, pressure, and chemical reactions. Additionally, the energy of a molecule can also change as a result of internal processes, such as bond breaking and formation.

5. How does the energy of a molecule affect its properties?

The energy of a molecule plays a crucial role in determining its physical and chemical properties. Higher energy molecules tend to be more reactive and have shorter lifetimes, while lower energy molecules are more stable and less likely to undergo chemical reactions.

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