Electrical stability of an atom

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the electrical stability of molecules, specifically comparing water (H2O) and carbon monoxide (CO) based on their electric potential energy (EPE). The EPE of H2O is -5.33 eV, while CO has an EPE of -2.04 eV. The conclusion drawn is that CO is more electrically stable due to its higher EPE value, indicating it has energy closer to zero, which correlates with greater stability in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential energy (EPE)
  • Familiarity with the concept of electron volts (eV)
  • Basic knowledge of molecular stability
  • Ability to interpret energy equations, specifically EPE = Kc*q1*q2/r12
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of electric potential energy in molecular stability
  • Explore the differences in stability between polar and nonpolar molecules
  • Study the role of bond energies in determining molecular stability
  • Learn about the significance of molecular geometry in electrical stability
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, molecular physicists, and anyone interested in understanding the factors influencing molecular stability and energy dynamics.

lxman
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Homework Statement


As shown in class the electric potential energy of a water molecule is -5.33 eV. Which molecule is more electrically stable, H2O or CO? Why?


Homework Equations


EPE=Kc*q1*q2/r12


The Attempt at a Solution



The water molecule's EPE is -5.33 eV. The carbon monoxide molecule's EPE is -2.04 eV. Am I correct in believing that the carbon monoxide molecule is more stable, as the magnitude of its charge is lower?
 
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The question has do do with potential energy, not charge.
 
Alright then, let's see . . .

eV is a unit of energy. Therefore would I be correct in concluding that the CO molecule has a quantity of energy closer to zero and therefore it would be more electrically stable?
 

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