Question

$2s$ and $2p-$ atomic orbitals combine to give how many molecular orbitals?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 8
• D. 6

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

8

The number of molecular orbitals form is equal to the number of atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals. 2s orbital will form 2 ($\sigma 2s$ and ${\sigma }^{\ast }2s$) and similarly 2p orbital will form 6 molecular orbitals making total as 8.

So, the correct option is C.