Final answer:
The minimum potential energy between two atoms at a farther distance apart suggests a longer bond length, as the optimal bond length corresponds to the lowest potential energy and strongest attractive force.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the minimum potential energy between two atoms occurs when the atoms are farther apart, it can be inferred that the bond between them is longer. The optimal internuclear distance, which is the bond length, is the distance at which the potential energy is at its minimum. This is when there is the greatest overall attractive force between the atoms, resulting from the balance of attractive and repulsive forces. Bond strength typically increases as the bond length decreases; hence, shorter bonds are generally stronger. This relationship can be observed with various types of bonds such as single, double, and triple bonds, with triple bonds being the strongest and shortest among them, followed by double bonds and then single bonds.