How Close Does the Little Atom Get to the Big Atom in the Energy Bond Scenario?

[eraemia]

Homework Statement

Consider a potential energy curve and system as shown in Figure C11.5. Imagine that the little atom approaches the big atom from infinity with an initial kinetic energy K=5x10-21 J. How close to the big atom does it get?

a. x=0
b. x=0.04 nm
c. x=0.11 nm
d. x=0.2 nm
e. x=0.3 nm
f. Other

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't get how to solve this at all. Any pointers? Thanks.

 

[learningphysics]

As the atoms get closer, the kinetic energy of the little atom is converted to potential between the two atoms...

At what distance has all the kinetic energy been converted to potential energy? The graph/curve should help you to see this...

 

[m2003]

I would approach this problem by first analyzing the potential energy curve and understanding the relationship between potential energy and distance. The potential energy curve shows that as the distance between the two atoms decreases, the potential energy also decreases. This is due to the attractive force between the two atoms.

Next, I would use the given initial kinetic energy of 5x10^-21 J to calculate the maximum potential energy that the atom can have. This can be done using the equation PE = K = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the atom and v is its velocity.

Once I have the maximum potential energy, I can use this information to determine how close the atom can get to the big atom. This can be done by comparing the maximum potential energy to the potential energy at different distances on the curve.

Based on this analysis, I would conclude that the correct answer is option c) x=0.11 nm. This is because at this distance, the potential energy is equal to the maximum potential energy of the atom, meaning that the atom can no longer get any closer to the big atom without exceeding its maximum potential energy.