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?\nwhat is the energy of this mo, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms?
Answer
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |