Explore the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential
Drag two atoms and see the attractive and repulsive forces and the Lennard-Jones potential graph. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential?
Drag two atoms and see the attractive and repulsive forces and the Lennard-Jones potential graph. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
This model explains why gases condense, why liquids form and how molecules pack.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Atoms attract at long range and repel when squeezed.
The energy minimum is the equilibrium distance.
A deeper well means stronger attraction.
Find the equilibrium distance for argon.
Switch to neon and compare the depth.
Let the atoms move and watch them vibrate.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Chemistry learners
Chemistry students from middle school to university, teachers who need a virtual demonstration, and anyone without access to a lab.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Switch to neon and compare the depth. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the Lennard-Jones potential?
A simple model of the potential energy between two neutral atoms with attraction and repulsion.
Why do atoms not collapse into each other?
At very short distance the repulsion becomes very strong.
Is the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential free to use?
Yes. The Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential?
1. In the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential, use the controls to change Atoms, Motion. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential, pick an option such as Neon, Argon, Oxygen O₂, Drag freely to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential, press "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Find the equilibrium distance for argon. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Atomic Interactions: Lennard-Jones Potential responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Atoms attract at long range and repel when squeezed.
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Drag two atoms and see the attractive and repulsive forces and the Lennard-Jones. Free to use.
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