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Bond evidenceLive observation

Move the atoms: a stable bond appears at the lowest potential energy.

Atom pairH—H
Distance180 pm
Potential energy−28 kJ/mol
Net forceAttractive
Atomic Bonding LaboratoryPaused
Mode

Why does a bond form?

Attraction can lower the pair’s potential energy. A stable bond length is reached when attraction and short-range repulsion balance.

  1. Far apart: interaction is weak.
  2. Approaching: attraction lowers energy.
  3. Too close: repulsion raises energy sharply.

Precision atom rails

Evidence

Equilibrium length74 pm
Well depth436 kJ/mol
Electronegativity gap0.00
Bond characterNonpolar covalent

View and focus

Energy history

Teacher demonstrations

Guided visual lecture

Chapter 1 of 80%

Ready. Clear embedded audio is synchronized to every visible cue.

External recording: share this browser tab with tab audio enabled. No microphone is used.

1. Energy and stability

Watch: Atoms enter a potential-energy well.

Chapters

The bonding model

Morse potential: V(r) = De[1 − e−a(r − re)]2 − De

Force: F(r) = −dV/dr

At r = re, V is minimum and net force is zero. Bond formation releases energy; bond breaking requires energy.

Displayed pair values are educational reference values. Electronegativity thresholds are classroom approximations; bonding is a continuum, and ionic materials form lattices.

Learning objectives

  • Connect bonding with lower potential energy.
  • Explain the balance of attraction and repulsion.
  • Interpret equilibrium length and bond energy.
  • Distinguish nonpolar, polar, and ionic models.

Suggested investigations

  • Find the energy minimum without using the preset.
  • Push H—H closer than equilibrium and inspect force.
  • Compare H—H, H—Cl, and Na—Cl density.
  • Compare well depths to predict which bond is harder to break.

Questions for exploration

  • Why does attraction not make nuclei collapse together?
  • What does a deeper energy well mean?
  • How does electronegativity shift shared density?

Teacher whiteboard

Use a finger, stylus, mouse, Android device, or smart board. Ten full-size pages keep their own drawings.

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