Question

study the following sketch of a molecular orbital (mo) in a homonuclear diatomic molecule. this mo was formed by combining one 3p atomic orbital from each atom. the dark dots in this sketch are the nuclei. now use the sketch to complete the table below. write the symbol for this mo. is this a bonding or antibonding mo? what is the energy of this mo, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the orbital type

The molecular - orbital is formed by the end - to - end overlap of 3p atomic orbitals, so it is a $\sigma$ orbital.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

There is electron density between the nuclei, so it is a bonding orbital.

Step3: Compare energy

Bonding orbitals have lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which they are formed.

Answer:

Property	Answer
Is this a bonding or antibonding MO?	bonding
What is the energy of this MO, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms?	lower