Question

study the following sketch of a molecular orbital (mo) in a homonuclear diatomic molecule. this mo was formed by combining one 2s 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?
bonding
antibonding
what is the energy of this mo, compared to the energy of a 2s orbital on one of the separate atoms?
higher
lower
the same
not enough information to decide

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the MO symbol

When two 2s atomic orbitals combine in a homonuclear diatomic molecule to form a molecular - orbital, the resulting bonding molecular - orbital is $\sigma_{2s}$.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

In a bonding molecular - orbital, the electron density is concentrated between the two nuclei. Since the sketch shows electron density between the nuclei, it is a bonding MO.

Step3: Compare energy

A bonding molecular - orbital has lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which it is formed. This is because the formation of a bonding MO leads to a more stable state.

Answer:

Property	Answer
Is this a bonding or antibonding MO?	bonding
What is the energy of this MO, compared to the energy of a 2s orbital on one of the separate atoms?	lower