$U_2$ is a two body pair potential which only depends on the distance $r_{ij}$ between the two atoms $i$ and $j$.
If not only pair potentials are considered, three body potentials $U_3$ or many body potentials $U_n$ can be included.
Usually these higher order terms are avoided since they are not easy to model and it is rather time consuming to evaluate potentials and forces originating from these many body terms.
$U_2$ is a two body pair potential which only depends on the distance $r_{ij}$ between the two atoms $i$ and $j$.
If not only pair potentials are considered, three body potentials $U_3$ or many body potentials $U_n$ can be included.
Usually these higher order terms are avoided since they are not easy to model and it is rather time consuming to evaluate potentials and forces originating from these many body terms.