In what follows we shall need to use a graph plotter gnuplot to visualize how the potential energy between two atoms varies.

To launch the graph plotter gnuplot:

Go to:

Start/All programmes/Site Licensed Applications/Mathematical Applications/Gnuplot 4.2.5

You will obtain a narrow window on the screen.
The following exercise is designed to help you become familiar with the use of the graph plotter.

We shall look at the shapes of the two contributions (repulsion and attraction) to the total potential energy.