Question

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• row 1: your answer is incorrect.
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• row 3: your answer is incorrect.

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 type

When two 3p - atomic orbitals combine side - on, they form a $\pi$ molecular orbital.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

In a bonding molecular orbital, the electron density is between the nuclei. The given sketch shows electron density between the nuclei, so it is a bonding MO.

Step3: Compare energy

A bonding MO has lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which it is 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.	$\pi$
What is the energy of this MO, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms?	lower