Chapter 14, Problem 34E

a.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given molecular orbitals formed by the combination of 1s orbitals of two H atoms needs to identified as bonding and anti-bonding molecular orbitals.

Concept introduction: The formation of molecular orbital takes place by mathematical combination of wave functions of atomic orbitals possessing nearly same energies of the atoms involved in bond formation. The number of molecular orbitals formed are always equal to the number of atomic orbitals involved. Thus, the orbitals which have lower energies compared to atomic orbitals are bonding orbital and those which have higher energies compared to atomic orbitals are antibonding orbitals.

b.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The molecular orbital that possess lowest energy needs to be identified among the two molecular orbitals.

Concept introduction: The formation of molecular orbital takes place by mathematical combination of wave functions of atomic orbitals possessing nearly same energies of the atoms involved in bond formation. The number of molecular orbitals formed are always equal to the number of atomic orbitals involved. Thus, the orbitals which have lower energies compared to atomic orbitals are bonding orbital and those which have higher energies compared to atomic orbitals are antibonding orbitals.