Answer:
The stored energy related to the positions of atoms within molecules is potential energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
. Potential energy arises from the interactions between atoms, which can be described by interatomic forces or potential energy surfaces.
In a molecule, the potential energy is determined by the arrangement of atoms and the strength of the chemical bonds between them. The potential energy changes as the positions of the atoms within the molecule change. For example, stretching or compressing a bond alters the potential energy, as does bending or twisting the molecule.
The potential energy is at its minimum when the atoms are in their most stable positions, typically corresponding to the equilibrium geometry of the molecule. In this state, the forces between atoms are balanced, and the potential energy is relatively low.
However, if the atoms are displaced from their equilibrium positions, the potential energy increases. This increase in potential energy can be related to the restoring forces acting on the atoms, which tend to bring them back to their equilibrium positions. The potential energy surface provides a map of the potential energy as a function of the atomic coordinates and can be used to understand the behavior of molecules, such as their vibrations and reactions.
Overall, the potential energy associated with the positions of atoms within molecules plays a crucial role in determining the stability, structure, and dynamics of chemical systems.