Electrical stability of an atom

AI Thread Summary
The electric potential energy (EPE) of a water molecule (H2O) is -5.33 eV, while that of carbon monoxide (CO) is -2.04 eV. A lower EPE indicates greater stability, as it is closer to zero. Therefore, CO is considered more electrically stable than H2O due to its higher EPE value. The discussion emphasizes that stability is related to potential energy rather than charge magnitude. Overall, CO's energy state suggests it is more stable than H2O.
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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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