State of matter: Potential Energy - seperation graph

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in the context of atomic interactions, particularly at absolute zero. It clarifies that the minimum potential energy occurs at equilibrium separation when the resultant force between atoms equals zero. At absolute zero, kinetic energy is not maximum but rather zero, as atomic motion ceases. The conversation also emphasizes that potential energy increases when work is done against attractive or repulsive forces during changes in atomic separation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential energy and kinetic energy concepts
  • Familiarity with atomic forces, including attractive and repulsive forces
  • Knowledge of equilibrium states in physical systems
  • Basic grasp of thermodynamics, particularly absolute zero
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Lennard-Jones potential and its graphical representation
  • Study the principles of thermodynamics related to absolute zero
  • Learn about vibrational and translational kinetic energy in atomic systems
  • Explore the concept of equilibrium in physical chemistry and its implications
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, physical chemistry, and materials science, particularly those interested in atomic interactions and energy concepts.

Kurokari
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
The graph should look something like this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:12-6-Lennard-Jones-Potential.svg (the other information has nothing to do with what I ask though, only the shape of the graph for clarity sake)

My question is, does resultant force = 0, or when potential energy is minimum occur during absolute zero only, if so then what is the kinetic energy? Is kinetic energy maximum, or simply zero since it is absolute zero.

If I'm wrong about U = 0 occurring at absolute zero only please correct me.

My second question is, why is it that potential energy is minimum when at equilibrium separation? Why not kinetic energy is minimum since at equilibrium, attractive force = repulsive force and the 2 particle is not moving?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
At the equilibrium separation the resultant force on an atom = zero.
To INCREASE the separation work must be done against the attraction force between atoms... this means an increase in potential energy
To DECREASE the separation work must be done against the force of repulsion between atoms... this also means an increase in potential energy.
So the minimum of potential energy is when the resultant force between atoms = zero.
At temperatures above absolute zero atoms are vibrating... they have vibrational KE.
They are not moving around like molecules in a gs which have TRANSLATIONAL KE
 

Similar threads

Undergrad What is the zero point for Potential Energy and how to find it from integral limits?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Conceptually understanding change in potential energy with 0 net work
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
High School How does an object gain potential energy?
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
7K
Undergrad "A system tries to minimize total potential energy"
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad System, potential energy, and nonconservative forces
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Why Do Objects Bounce? Exploring Momentum and Energy Conservation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad How to interpret this definition of potential energy?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Graduate Internal forces converting kinetic into potential energy (vice versa)
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School A few questions about Potential Energy
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
9K
Graduate Conservative forces, Nonconservative forces and Potential Energy
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K