wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

The number of unpaired electrons in O2 molecule is:

A
Zero
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
B
1
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
C
2
Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses
D
3
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
Open in App
Solution

The correct option is C 2
Oxygen molecule (O2): Each oxygen atom has 8 electrons. Hence, O2 molecule has a total of 16 electrons. The electronic configuration of O2 molecule therefore is:
O2:(σ1s)2(σ1s)2(σ2s)2(σ2s)2(σ2pz)2(π2px)2=(π2py)2(π2px)1=(π2py)1

As we can see from the above electronic configuration, there are two unpaired electrons in the antibonding molecular π -orbital which leads to oxygen exhibiting paramagnetic properties.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
22
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon