Question

When two H atoms are brought together from large distances they can make H₂. As the bond beings to form, the force between the atoms becomes more ________ (attractive/repulsive) and the potential energy ________ (increases/stays the same/decreases).

Answer 1

As two hydrogen atoms come closer together to form H₂, the force between the atoms becomes more attractive and the potential energy decreases.

Step-by-step explanation:

As the atoms first begin to interact, the attractive force is stronger than the repulsive force and so the potential energy of the system decreases, as seen in the diagram. Remember that the lower potential energy increases the stability of the system. As the two hydrogen atoms move closer and closer together, the potential energy is at its lowest possible point. If the hydrogen atoms move any closer together, a third interaction begins to dominate, and that is the repulsive force between the two positively-charged nuclei. This repulsive force is very strong, as can be seen by the sharp rise in energy at the far left of the diagram.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

It is known that a bond formed due to sharing of electrons is called a covalent bond.

For example, the electronic configuration of hydrogen atom is
`1s^(1)`.

And, in order to attain stability hydrogen atom will readily combine with another atom to complete its octet. Hence, when it combines with another hydrogen atom then attractive forces increases between the two hydrogen atoms and it forms a
`H_(2)` atom.

Due to the increase in stability pf both H atoms there will occur a decrease in their potential energy as the atoms will move towards each other.

Thus, we can conclude that when two H atoms are brought together from large distances they can make
`H_(2)`. As the bond beings to form, the force between the atoms becomes more attractive and the potential energy decreases.