Question

In a homonuclear molecule, which of the following sets of orbitals is degenerate? (assume Z-axis to be the internuclear axis)

• A. ${\sigma }_{2p_z}$ and ${\sigma }_{2s}$
• B. ${\pi }_{2p_x}$ and ${\pi }_{2p_y}$
• C. ${\pi }_{2p_x}$ and ${\pi }_{2p_z}$
• D. ${\sigma }_{2p_z}$ and ${\pi }_{2p_z}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B ${\pi }_{2p_x}$ and ${\pi }_{2p_y}$

The orbitals of equal energy are called degenerate orbitals. In a homonuclear molecule, ${\pi }_{2p_x}$ and ${\pi }_{2p_y}$ are the orbitals of equal energy when we assume Z-axis to be the internuclear axis.