In which of the following molecules does the molecular orbital theory predict a
Practice Questions
Q1
In which of the following molecules does the molecular orbital theory predict a paramagnetic behavior?
N2
O2
C2
Ne2
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In which of the following molecules does the molecular orbital theory predict a paramagnetic behavior?
Correct Answer: O2
Step 1: Understand what paramagnetic means. Paramagnetic substances have unpaired electrons in their molecular orbitals, which makes them attracted to magnetic fields.
Step 2: Know that molecular orbital theory helps us understand the arrangement of electrons in molecules.
Step 3: Identify the molecular orbitals for O2. The molecular orbitals are filled in a specific order based on energy levels.
Step 4: Fill the molecular orbitals for O2 according to the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle.
Step 5: Check the electron configuration of O2. It has 12 total electrons, which fill the orbitals as follows: σ(1s)², σ*(1s)², σ(2s)², σ*(2s)², σ(2p_z)², π(2p_x)², π(2p_y)¹, π*(2p_x)¹.
Step 6: Notice that there are two unpaired electrons in the π*(2p_x) and π*(2p_y) orbitals.
Step 7: Conclude that since O2 has unpaired electrons, it is paramagnetic.
