Molecular Orbitals

Objectives:

After having completed this unit, students should be able to:

1. Explain the essential features of the molecular orbital theory.
2. Explain the relationship between bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals, both in terms of energy compared to the corresponding atomic orbitals and where electron density is concentrated relative to the nuclei.
3. Given a molecular orbital diagram for the diatomic molecule or ion built from elements of the first or second period, predict the placement of electrons, the bond order and the number of unpaired electrons.  Also, determine whether the molecule is paramagnetic or diamagnetic.

Reading and Homework Exercises

Table of Contents from: OpenStax Chemistry 2e: section 8.4

8.4 Molecular Orbital Theory

Question 1:

Question 2:

For the following questions, consider the H₂^1- ion.  Use Figure 8.35 and Figure 8.36 to help answer the questions.

Question 3:

Question 4:

Question 5:

For the following questions, consider the CN^1- ion.  Use Figure 8.38to help answer the questions.

Question 6:

Question 7:

Question 8:

For the following question, consider OF.  Use Figure 8.38to help answer the questions.

Question 9: