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Topic: Why do helium atoms repel each other?  (Read 2776 times)

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Offline msk034

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Why do helium atoms repel each other?
« on: October 22, 2014, 04:29:48 AM »
Is it because of some QM principles?
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Offline Hunter2

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Re: Why do helium atoms repel each other?
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2014, 04:38:52 AM »
The first shell is full with 2 electrons. So there no tendency to get more or loose electrons. So atoms don't attract much each other. Only some van de Waals forces.
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Offline Irlanur

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Re: Why do helium atoms repel each other?
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2014, 06:13:07 AM »
Quote
Is it because of some QM principles?

everything in chemistry is.

to the original question. they don't repel in general, depends on the distance.
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Offline Enthalpy

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Re: Why do helium atoms repel each other?
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2014, 01:51:42 PM »
Helium exists as a liquid so the atoms can attract an other, at least at angstromic distance. If you squeeze them too close, they will repel an other.
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