Chapter 21, Problem 21.71SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Provide an MO energy-level diagram for Ca metal and show two different scenarios, one in which the 4s and 3d bands are separated and another where these bands overlap. Explain which diagram demonstrates a substance with high electrical conductivity.

Concept introduction:

• There are two theoretical models for bonding in metals which are the electron-sea model and the molecular orbital theory.
• Molecular orbital theory is the combination of atomic orbitals of individual atoms to form molecular orbitals.
• The number of molecular orbitals formed is the same as the number of atomic orbitals combined.
• A band is a set of MOs that are very closely spaced in energy and consequently MO theory for metals is often called band theory.

To classify: The MO energy-level diagrams for Ca and which is more conductive.