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? what is the energy of this mo, compared to the energy of a 2s orbital on one of the separate atoms?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify molecular - orbital type

When two 2s atomic orbitals combine head - on, they form a $\sigma$ molecular orbital.

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

The sketch shows electron density between the nuclei, which indicates a bonding molecular orbital. Antibonding orbitals have a node (region of zero electron density) between the nuclei.

Step3: Compare energy

Bonding molecular orbitals have lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which they are formed. This is because the electrons in a bonding MO are attracted to both nuclei, stabilizing the system.

Answer:

Property	Answer
Bonding or antibonding	bonding
Energy compared to 2s orbital	lower