The correct answer is:
A. Atoms have a stronger bond energy when they are closer together because the attractive forces between them are greater.
As atoms come closer together, the attractive forces (such as electrostatic attraction between opposite charges) tend to dominate over the repulsive forces (which arise from electron clouds repelling each other). This results in a stronger bond. However, it is important to note that there is an optimal distance where these forces are balanced; if atoms are too close, the repulsive forces will increase and can lead to a breakdown of the bond. But generally, within the range of typical bond lengths, stronger bond energy is associated with closer distances, leading to a more stable molecule.