Theories of Covalent Bonding: Orbital Hybridization and Molecular Orbital Energy Diagram Study Guide
- Jan 8
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Let's do some practice with Molecular Orbital Diagrams.
O₂ Molecular Orbital Diagram
Calculate the number of valence electrons. The number of valence electrons is equal to the group number the element is in. Oxygen is in group 6 and has 6 valence electrons. There are two oxygens, making the total number of valence electrons 12,
Choose the correct molecular orbital diagram based on the element. According to the chart above, we use the right diagram for oxygen.
Distribute electrons from bottom up (lowest to highest energy). Each orbital has a maximum of 2 opposite spin electrons.
O₂ Molecular Orbital Diagram
O₂ Molecular Orbital Diagram
Bond Order = ½ (#bonding electrons - #antibonding electrons)
An orbital with *, means antibonding molecular orbital
Bond order for O₂ = 1/2(8-4)= 2
O₂ is paramagnetic because it has unpaired electrons.
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