During bond formation, potential energy of the system

Options

A. Increases
B. Decreases
C. Remains the same
D. Can't tbe predicted

Answer

To solve the question regarding the potential energy of a system during bond formation, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Bond Formation**:
- When two atoms (let's say atom A and atom B) approach each other to form a bond, they interact through attractive forces. This process leads to the formation of a molecule (AB).

2. **Energy and Stability Relationship**:
- The stability of a system is inversely related to its potential energy. This means that as the stability of the system increases, the potential energy decreases. Conversely, if the potential energy is high, the system is less stable.

3. **Potential Energy Changes**:
- Initially, when the atoms are far apart, the potential energy is relatively high (approaching zero as distance increases). As they come closer to each other, the potential energy decreases until it reaches a minimum value at the bond length.

4. **Graphical Representation**:
- The potential energy (U) versus inter-nuclear distance (R) can be represented graphically. The graph shows that as R decreases (atoms come closer), U decreases until it reaches a minimum at the bond length. Beyond this point, if the atoms come even closer, the potential energy starts to increase again.

5. **Conclusion**:
- During the bond formation process, as the atoms approach each other, the potential energy decreases. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the potential energy of the system **decreases** during bond formation.

### Final Answer:
The potential energy of the system **decreases** during bond formation.

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