When the atom is pulled away only slightly, so that it is still within the attraction curve on the graph, does it move in response to attractive or repulsive forces? my science class

When pulled slightly, the atom moves in response to attractive forces.

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It is common to find the potential energy curve that explains the bonding of two atoms to form a molecule. There is minimum intermolecular interaction when the atoms are isolated from each other.

When the atom is pulled away only slightly, so that it is still within the attraction curve on the graph, it moves in response to attractive forces.

Learn more about potential energy curve: link