Energy of a covalent bond is approximated as: V (rij) =1/2 k [( rij-bij)]power2 Calculate the force acting on atoms as a function of interatomic distance.

Question

Energy of a covalent bond is approximated as:

V_b (r_ij) =1/2 k_ij^b [( r_ij-b_ij)]²

Calculate the force acting on atoms as a function of interatomic distance.

Answer 1

If you have a potential energy V(r), then the force associated with it is just

 

F(r) = -dV/dr

 

Note you have 2 different expressions for V in the title of the question and in the wording of the question.  Anyway, once you have potential energy V as a function of interatomic distance, evaluate the derivative of V with respect to interatomic distance, and multiply by -1.  That will be the force as a function of interatomic distance.