Energy of Intermolecular Forces

[Elaine Pham 2E]

Why are the energies of the different interactions Dr. Lavelle talked about in class negative?
For example, the energy of an ion-ion interaction is -250 kJ/mol. I am a little confused why it's a negative number and not a positive one.

[Mahir_Hasan2C]

They are all negative because it is taking energy from the system to form bonds. This takes away energy thus a negative energy.

[Sean Reyes 1J]

Energy is required to form bonds. Because these are forming attractions with other molecules, this formation of bonds implies an exothermic reaction, which relates to a negative energy of the system

[Catly Do 2E]

It seems a little bit counterintuitive, but forming bonds requires energy. Creating a bond is bringing 2+ atoms into a more stable position. Thus, breaking the bond is where energy is absorbed whereas forming bonds is where energy is released.

[Ariel Cheng 2I]

Breaking bonds generally requires an addition of energy. The opposite, forming bonds, is a release of energy which explains the negative number.

[Arshia Ramesh 1G]

you need energy to form bonds and energy is released when bonds are broken

[Henry Dudley 1G]

Why do atoms form bonds if it requires energy?