study the following sketch of a molecular orbital (mo) in a homonuclear diatomic molecule. this mo was…

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.\nthe dark dots in this sketch are the nuclei.\nnow use the sketch to complete the table below.\n|write the symbol for this mo.| |\n|is this a bonding or antibonding mo?|bonding\nantibonding|\n|what is the energy of this mo, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms?|higher\nlower\nthe same\nnot enough information to decide|

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.\nthe dark dots in this sketch are the nuclei.\nnow use the sketch to complete the table below.\n|write the symbol for this mo.| |\n|is this a bonding or antibonding mo?|bonding\nantibonding|\n|what is the energy of this mo, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms?|higher\nlower\nthe same\nnot enough information to decide|

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the MO type

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

Step2: Determine bonding or antibonding

If the lobes of the same phase overlap (constructive interference), it is a bonding MO. If the lobes of opposite phases overlap (destructive interference), it is an antibonding MO. Since no information about phase is given, assume a bonding MO for a stable molecule formation in the absence of contrary evidence.

Step3: Compare energy

Bonding MOs have lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which they are formed.

Answer:

Question Answer
Write the symbol for this MO. $\pi$
Is this a bonding or antibonding MO? bonding
What is the energy of this MO, compared to the energy of a 3p orbital on one of the separate atoms? lower