Answer:
Explanation:
The force that one atom exerts on the other is the negative derivative of the potential energy = [tex]\frac{-dL(x)}{dx}[/tex]
F(x) = - [tex]\frac{d}{dx}[/tex]( -C₆ / x⁷) = - (- (-6) C₆ x⁻⁶ ⁻¹) = - 6C₆ /x⁷
when xis negative, F is positive and when x is positive, F is negative. It is therefore and attractive force and F is always directed to the center
