For a molecular potential energy curve following is FALSE (A) Born-Opp...
False Statement Explanation:
Born-Oppenheimer approximation is followed:
The Born-Oppenheimer approximation assumes that the motion of atomic nuclei and electrons in a molecule are decoupled. This approximation allows us to solve the electronic Schrödinger equation separately from the nuclear Schrödinger equation. However, in a molecular potential energy curve, the interactions between the electrons and nuclei are accounted for, so the Born-Oppenheimer approximation is not followed.
The potential energy is that of electrons involved in bond-breaking and bond-making:
In a molecular potential energy curve, the potential energy represents the total energy of the system, which includes both the electronic and nuclear contributions. The potential energy curve shows how the total energy of the system changes as a function of the nuclear coordinates. It accounts for the interactions between electrons and nuclei, including those involved in bond-breaking and bond-making processes.
It is specific for an electronic state:
A molecular potential energy curve is specific to a particular electronic state of the molecule. Different electronic states of a molecule can have different potential energy curves due to variations in the electronic configuration and interactions. Therefore, the potential energy curve is indeed specific for an electronic state.
It may or may not have a minimum:
The potential energy curve of a molecule can have a minimum energy point corresponding to the most stable configuration of the molecule. However, depending on the nature of the interactions and the molecular geometry, the potential energy curve may not always have a minimum. In some cases, the curve may be flat or exhibit multiple minima. So, it is possible for a potential energy curve to not have a minimum.