Multiple Choice
Which molecule is represented by a molecular orbital diagram showing 10 electrons filling the following orbitals in order: σ(1s), σ*(1s), σ(2s), σ*(2s), and σ(2p)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Orbital Theory
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According to molecular orbital theory, which diatomic molecule is formed when two atoms share a total of six electrons in their bonding molecular orbitals?
A
O2
B
H2
C
N2
D
F2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that in molecular orbital (MO) theory, electrons from atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals, which are classified as bonding or antibonding orbitals.
Identify that the question asks for a diatomic molecule where two atoms share a total of six electrons specifically in bonding molecular orbitals.
Consider the electronic configurations of the given molecules (H2, N2, O2, F2) and count the number of electrons that occupy bonding molecular orbitals in each case.
For N2, each nitrogen atom contributes 5 valence electrons, totaling 10 valence electrons. According to MO theory, 6 of these electrons occupy bonding molecular orbitals, which leads to a strong triple bond.
Compare this with other molecules: H2 has 2 electrons in bonding orbitals, O2 and F2 have more electrons but fewer than 6 in bonding orbitals, confirming that N2 is the molecule with exactly six electrons in bonding molecular orbitals.
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