When the distance between ions is very small,
A)the electrostatic force becomes very small.
B)the resultant force is the electrostatic force.
C)there is a strong quantum mechanical repulsion.
D)the resultant force is gravitational.
E)None of these is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the distance between ions is very small, quantum mechanical repulsion becomes significant due to the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two electrons can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. This leads to a strong repulsive force at very short distances, overriding the attractive electrostatic force.

When the Distance Between Ions Is Very Small