AP Chemistry / Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties
2.2 Intramolecular Force and Potential Energy
Notes
A potential energy curve for two atoms has a minimum at the bond length; the depth is the bond energy.
- Bonds with more shared electrons (triple > double > single) are shorter and stronger.
- Ionic attraction follows Coulomb's law: larger charges and smaller ions attract more strongly.
Practice
The minimum of a potential energy curve shows:
The most stable distance.
Which bond is shortest?
Triple bonds are shortest.
Which has the strongest ionic attraction?
Charges of +2 and −2 with small ions.
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