What is the Form of the Lennard-Jones Potential Between Two Water Molecules?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deducing the Lennard-Jones potential form between two water molecules, using given data such as molar enthalpy and density. The potential is expressed as V(r)=4ε[-(σ/r)6+(σ/r)12], where ε indicates molecular attraction strength and σ is the zero potential distance. The user attempts to calculate the atomic diameter and separation distance (r) based on the number of nearest neighbors, leading to two possible values for r. Clarification is sought on the relevance of the ten nearest neighbors and the use of molar enthalpy in the calculations. Ultimately, the user derives a specific form of the Lennard-Jones potential, suggesting it aligns with the question's requirements.
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Homework Statement


Deduce the form of the Lennard-Jones potential between two water molecules.

given/known:
molar enthalpy of evaporation of water is 4.1x104J/mol
density is 103kg/m3
Assume water molecule is surrounded by approximately ten nearest-neighbours.
Take Mr = 18

Homework Equations



from the sources i have:
V(r)=4ε[-(σ/r)6+(σ/r)12]

The Attempt at a Solution



ε is a measure of how strongly the molecules attract each other.
σ is the distance at which the intermolecular potential is zero.
r is the distance of separation between both particles.

its a bit unclear what the question means by "deduce the form" but I am assuming it means find the value r.

to find r i first find the atomic diameter d= [(Mr(X)x10-3)/(pNA)]1/3

where X is number of molecules
Mr = 18
p given at 103kg/m3
NA is avogadros constant.

and X I am unsure if it is 2 (because the question says two molecules) or if its 11 (because of the molecule plus its 10 "neighbours")

if X is 2 i get a diameter of 1.815x10-10
giving a radius of 9.07x10-11

if X is 11 i get d = 3.20x10-10
making r = 1.60x10-10

now to get the "form" i just sub an r into the potential equation??

however, i don't entirely understand the "ten nearst-neighbours" and what its used for.
i also don't use the molar enthalpy.
molar enthalpy isn't mentioned anywhere in my notes but online it says enthlpy is a measure of energy of the system.

some clarification would be much appreciated
thanks
 
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kept at it and found

molecular enthalpy of sublimation Hm.s = 1/2(nNAΔE)
where n is the number of "nearest neighbours"
solving for ΔE i got 1.36x10-20 J which seems appropriate.

and ΔE = ε when r is at equilibrium distance.

so subbing that back into the lennard-jones and simplifying i get

5.44x10-20[-(σ/0.72x10-10)6+(σ/0.72x10-10)12]

is that meant to be "the form of the Lennard-Jones 6-12 potential" that the question says deduce?
 
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