L-J Potential-Distance of equilibrium

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The discussion centers on calculating the equilibrium distance for the Lennard-Jones potential given by the equation Uvdw(r) = -A/r^6 + B/r^12, with specific values for A and B. Participants express confusion about how to derive the equilibrium distance, initially proposing that r represents the distance. The equilibrium distance is identified as the minimum of the potential, leading to the formula r = (2^(1/6) B^(1/6))/A^(1/6). A participant confirms the calculation, suggesting it can also be expressed as (2B/A)^(1/6). The conversation highlights the challenge of finding the minimum in potential energy equations.
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LJ-Potential

Homework Statement


Find distance of equilibrium for:
1.
Uvdw(r)=-A/r6+B/r12
A=10-77 Jm6
B=10-134 Jm12



Homework Equations



Uvdw(r)=-A/r6+B/r12

The Attempt at a Solution


It is suppose that r is the distance, but I have not any idea how to calculate this.

appreciate your help
 
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Pahoo said:

Homework Statement


Find distance of equilibrium for:
1.
Uvdw(r)=-A/r6+B/r12
A=10-77 Jm6
B=10-134 Jm12



Homework Equations



Uvdw(r)=-A/r6+B/r12

The Attempt at a Solution


It is suppose that r is the distance, but I have not any idea how to calculate this.

appreciate your help

This article may help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lennard-Jones_potential

This isn't really an engineering question, though. Would you like me to move this to the HH/Advanced Physics forum?
 

Homework Statement


Find distance of equilibrium for:
1.
Uvdw(r)=-A/r6+B/r12
A=10-77 Jm6
B=10-134 Jm12

Homework Equations



Uvdw(r)=-A/r6+B/r12

The Attempt at a Solution


It is suppose that r is the distance, I suppose that r=(2A/B)(1/6)
and 0=2A-Br6.
However I`m totally lost

appreciate your help
 
Last edited:
Thanks
 
The equilibrium distance is the minimum of the potential. How do you find a minimum?
 
ok, finally I figure out how to calculate the minimun which is r = (2^(1/6) B^(1/6))/A^(1/6). Am I right?
 
Looks good. I would express it as ##\displaystyle \left(\frac{2B}{A}\right)^{\frac{1}{6}}##
 
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