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 symbol

The molecular orbital is formed by side - on overlap of 3p orbitals, which gives a $\pi$ orbital. Since there is no indication of antibonding (no node between the nuclei), it is a $\pi$ bonding orbital, symbol is $\pi$.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

The orbital has electron density between the nuclei. In a bonding molecular orbital, electron density is concentrated between the nuclei, so it is a bonding MO.

Step3: Compare energy

Bonding molecular orbitals have lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which they are formed. So the energy of this $\pi$ bonding MO is lower than the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms.

Answer:

Write the symbol for this MO: $\pi$
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