Question

what kind of molecular orbital results when the two atomic orbitals shown below interact in the manner indicated? image of two bowtie - shaped atomic orbitals with a + between them options: n, π, σ, σ

Explanation:

The atomic orbitals shown are p - orbitals (with the "bow - tie" shape) interacting side - by - side. When two p - orbitals interact side - by - side in a bonding (constructive interference) manner, a π molecular orbital is formed. A π is an antibonding π orbital (destructive interference), σ orbitals are formed from end - on interactions, and σ is an antibonding σ orbital. So the interaction here forms a π molecular orbital.

Answer:

π (the option with "π")