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 MO type

When two 3p atomic orbitals combine side - on in a homonuclear diatomic molecule, they form a $\pi$ molecular orbital. So the symbol is $\pi$.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

The sketch shows a region of electron density between the nuclei, which is characteristic of a bonding MO. In a bonding MO, the electrons are attracted to both nuclei simultaneously. So it is a bonding MO.

Step3: Compare energy

Bonding MOs have lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which they are formed. This is because the electrons in a bonding MO are in a more stable (lower - energy) state due to the increased attraction to the nuclei. So the energy of this MO is lower than that of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms.

Answer:

Question	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