According to molecular orbital theory, when atomic orbitals combine destructively: 1. Electrons in anti-bonding molecular orbitals make the species less stable. 2. Electrons in anti-bonding molecular orbitals make the species more stable. Because 1. Anti-bonding molecular orbitals are lower energy than the atomic orbitals. 2. Anti-bonding molecular orbitals are higher energy than the atomic orbitals. 1,2 O2,1 O2,2 O 1,1

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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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**Understanding Molecular Orbital Theory: Anti-bonding Molecular Orbitals**

Molecular orbital theory provides insight into the behavior of electrons in molecules. When atomic orbitals combine destructively, changes in molecular stability can occur. Consider the following statements and explanations:

1. Electrons in anti-bonding molecular orbitals make the species less stable.
2. Electrons in anti-bonding molecular orbitals make the species more stable.

**Because**

1. Anti-bonding molecular orbitals are lower energy than the atomic orbitals.
2. Anti-bonding molecular orbitals are higher energy than the atomic orbitals.

**Multiple Choice Question:**

Which combination of statements 1 and 2 with the reasons provided is correct?

- ○ 1, 2
- ○ 2, 1
- ○ 2, 2
- ○ 1, 1

**Explanation:**
When atomic orbitals combine destructively to form anti-bonding molecular orbitals, the energy of the resulting molecular orbitals is higher than that of the original atomic orbitals. Electrons occupying these higher-energy anti-bonding orbitals contribute to the instability of the molecule.

**Correct Answer:**

- ○ 2, 1

This is because anti-bonding molecular orbitals have higher energy than the atomic orbitals, and having electrons in these higher energy orbitals makes the species less stable.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Molecular Orbital Theory: Anti-bonding Molecular Orbitals** Molecular orbital theory provides insight into the behavior of electrons in molecules. When atomic orbitals combine destructively, changes in molecular stability can occur. Consider the following statements and explanations: 1. Electrons in anti-bonding molecular orbitals make the species less stable. 2. Electrons in anti-bonding molecular orbitals make the species more stable. **Because** 1. Anti-bonding molecular orbitals are lower energy than the atomic orbitals. 2. Anti-bonding molecular orbitals are higher energy than the atomic orbitals. **Multiple Choice Question:** Which combination of statements 1 and 2 with the reasons provided is correct? - ○ 1, 2 - ○ 2, 1 - ○ 2, 2 - ○ 1, 1 **Explanation:** When atomic orbitals combine destructively to form anti-bonding molecular orbitals, the energy of the resulting molecular orbitals is higher than that of the original atomic orbitals. Electrons occupying these higher-energy anti-bonding orbitals contribute to the instability of the molecule. **Correct Answer:** - ○ 2, 1 This is because anti-bonding molecular orbitals have higher energy than the atomic orbitals, and having electrons in these higher energy orbitals makes the species less stable.
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