Question

study the following sketch of a molecular orbital (mo) in a homonuclear diatomic molecule. this mo was formed by combining one 2p atomic orbital from each atom. the dark dots in this sketch are the nuclei. now use the sketch to complete the table below. your answer 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 2p orbital on one of the separate atoms?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the symbol

When one 2p atomic orbital from each atom combines to form an antibonding molecular - orbital, for a homonuclear diatomic molecule, the symbol is $\sigma_{2p}^*$.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

The sketch shows a node between the nuclei. Antibonding molecular orbitals have a node between the nuclei, so it is antibonding.

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 2p orbital on one of the separate atoms.

Answer:

Property	Answer
Bonding or antibonding	antibonding
Energy compared to 2p orbital of separate atom	higher