Final answer:
DVLO theory graphs show the balance between attractive electrostatic forces, which decrease potential energy, and steric stabilisation, which increases potential energy due to bulky groups preventing close particle approach. Electrostatic attraction has a minimum potential energy point at an optimal distance, whereas steric repulsion increases with closer distances.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you explain the DVLO theory graphs for electrostatic versus steric stabilisation, these typically represent a balance between attractive and repulsive forces. Electrostatic stabilization involves attraction due to the opposite charges present on the particles, which leads to a decrease in the potential energy as the particles come closer. Conversely, steric stabilization is due to the presence of a bulky group, which prevents close approach of particles and thus increases potential energy at shorter distances.
The plot for electrostatic stabilization typically shows the potential energy decreasing as particles come closer, until they reach a minimum where attraction is strongest. However, if the particles continue to approach even closer, the graph shows an increase in potential energy due to the onset of strong repulsive forces. In contrast, the steric stabilization graph shows an increase in potential energy as the particles approach each other closely, reflecting the physical impediment to close contact created by bulky groups.
These concepts relate to Lewis dot symbols, molecular orbital theory, and VSEPR theory as they all discuss factors affecting molecular interactions and stability. However, DVLO theory specifically focuses on the balance of attractive and repulsive forces influencing the aggregation and stability of colloidal particles.