study the following sketch of a molecular orbital (mo) in a homonuclear diatomic molecule. this mo was…

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.\nthe dark dots in this sketch are the nuclei.\nnow use the sketch to complete the table below.\nwrite the symbol for this mo.\nis this a bonding or antibonding mo?\nbonding\nantibonding\nwhat is the energy of this mo, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms?\nhigher\nlower\nthe same\nnot enough information to decide
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Identify the molecular - orbital type
When two 3p atomic orbitals combine side - on, they form a $\pi$ molecular orbital. The sketch shows a side - on combination, so the symbol is $\pi$.
Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding
The lobes of the same phase are not overlapping constructively between the nuclei. In an antibonding orbital, there is a node between the nuclei. So, this is an antibonding MO.
Step3: Compare energy
Antibonding molecular orbitals have higher energy than the atomic orbitals from which they are formed. So, the energy of this MO is higher 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? antibonding What is the energy of this MO, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms? higher