Question

according to molecular orbital theory, two separate p_x orbitals interact about the x - axis to form what molecular orbitals?
a s and s*
b p and p*
c s, s* and p
d p, p*, and s
question 4
25 points
which of the following statements relating to molecular orbital (mo) theory is incorrect?
a combination of two atomic orbitals produces one bonding and one antibonding mo.
b a bonding mo is lower in energy than the two atomic orbitals from which it is formed.
c combination of two 2p orbitals may result in either σ or π mos
d in a stable molecule having an even number of electrons, all electrons must be paired.

Explanation:

1. For the first question, when two separate $p_x$ orbitals interact about the x - axis, according to molecular orbital theory, they form a bonding $p$ (sigma - bonding) and an antibonding $p^*$ (sigma - antibonding) molecular orbital.
2. For the second question, in molecular orbital theory, a stable molecule with an even number of electrons can have unpaired electrons (e.g., $O_2$ molecule has two unpaired electrons in its molecular orbitals), so the statement that all electrons must be paired in a stable molecule with an even number of electrons is incorrect.

Answer:

Question 3: B. p and p*
Question 4: D. In a stable molecule having an even number of electrons, all electrons must be paired.