Multiple Choice
According to molecular orbital theory, which diatomic molecule is formed when two atoms share a total of six electrons in their bonding molecular orbitals?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Orbital Theory
Multiple Choice
According to molecular orbital theory, how many molecular orbitals are formed when the p atomic orbitals of two atoms combine?
A
2
B
4
C
3
D
6
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that each atom has three p atomic orbitals: \( p_x \), \( p_y \), and \( p_z \).
When two atoms combine, each of their p orbitals can interact with the corresponding p orbital on the other atom.
According to molecular orbital theory, each pair of atomic orbitals combines to form two molecular orbitals: one bonding and one antibonding orbital.
Since there are three pairs of p orbitals (\( p_x \) with \( p_x \), \( p_y \) with \( p_y \), and \( p_z \) with \( p_z \)), the total number of molecular orbitals formed is \( 3 \times 2 = 6 \).
Therefore, the combination of the p atomic orbitals from two atoms results in six molecular orbitals.
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