Question

study the following sketch of a molecular orbital (mo) in a homonuclear diatomic molecule. this mo was formed by combining 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 orbital type

The shape of the molecular - orbital (MO) shows a nodal plane perpendicular to the internuclear axis, which is characteristic of a $\pi$ - orbital. The symbol for this MO is $\pi$.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

The MO has a nodal plane between the nuclei, which means it is an antibonding MO.

Step3: Compare energy

Antibonding MOs 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