Two atoms interact with a potential energy between

Two atoms interact with a potential energy between them that varies as a function of their separation as shown in the graph at the right. We take the zero of energy to be when they are far apart and at rest. They have a total energy E_1 as shown on the figure.

1.Which of the following statements are true about them?

a.By pulling them apart, you would gain an energy -E_1, that you could use elsewhere b.To pull them apart, you would have to put in an energy E_1 c.To pull them apart, you would have to put in an energy -E_1

d.By pulling them apart, you would gain an energy E_1 that you could use elsewhere

2.What can you say about the average separation between the two atoms when they are in the states shown on the diagram?

a.In both cases, the atoms are, on the average, the same distance apart b.When the atoms in the molecule have an energy E_1 the atoms are on the average closer together than when they have an energy E_2 c.When the atoms in the molecule have an energy E_2, the atoms are on the average closer together than when they have an energy E_1

3.What can you say about the average motion of the two atoms when they are in the states shown on the diagram?

a.The atoms change their position more when they are in the state E_1 than when they are in the state E_2 b.The atoms change their position more when they are in state E_2 than when they are in the state E_1 c.In both states, the separation between the atoms remains fixed