During the formation of a bond when atoms approach each other the potential energy decreases.(T/F)

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Bond Formation**: When two atoms approach each other to form a bond, they experience forces of attraction and repulsion. The attractive forces are due to the opposite charges of the atoms (for example, in ionic bonds) or the sharing of electrons (in covalent bonds).

2. **Potential Energy Concept**: Potential energy in a system of atoms is a measure of the energy stored due to their positions relative to each other. When atoms are far apart, they have higher potential energy. As they come closer, the potential energy decreases due to the attractive forces overcoming the repulsive forces.

3. **Example of H2 Formation**: Consider the formation of a hydrogen molecule (H2). As two hydrogen atoms approach each other, the attractive forces between their nuclei and the shared electrons increase, leading to a decrease in potential energy.

4. **Opposite Charges and Forces**: In cases like HCl, where hydrogen (H) has a partial positive charge and chlorine (Cl) has a partial negative charge, the attractive forces between them dominate when they are close together. This results in a decrease in potential energy as they form a bond.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the statement that during the formation of a bond when atoms approach each other, the potential energy decreases is indeed **True**.