Multiple choice

If E is the energy of the combining atomic orbitals, E1 and E2 are the energies of the antibonding and bonding molecular orbitals formed, then

  1. E-E2 < E1-E

  2. E-E2 = E1-E

  3. E-E2 > E-E1

  4. E-E2 > E1-E

  5. Any one of these is possible
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The antibonding orbital is raised more in energy than the energy by which bonding molecular orbital is lowered. Thus, “E-E2 < E1-E” is the correct answer.

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