Intermolecular Interactions: Energy Functions & Protein Structure

This lecture delves into empirical potential energy functions, which are mathematical expressions used to calculate a molecule's potential energy based on its conformation. It explores the Morse potential for covalent bonds, bond angles, and dihedral angles. The discussion extends to van der Waals interactions, electrostatic energies, and the impact of water on interactions in proteins. The instructor also covers the application of simplified energy functions in molecular potential energy calculations and the use of Coulomb's law for charged atom interactions.