Question

When the ls orbitals of two hydrogen atoms combine to form a hydrogen molecule, which molecular orbitals are formed?

• A. One bonding molecular orbital only
• B. Two bonding molecular orbitals
• C. One bonding molecular orbital and one antibonding molecular orbital
• D. Two antibonding molecular orbitals

Answer 1

The correct option is C One bonding molecular orbital and one antibonding molecular orbital

As per MOT, when two atomic orbital combines two molecular orbitals are formed, one with

the lower energy than the combining orbitals and called as bonding molecular orbital and the

$2^{nd}$ with higher energy than energy of combining orbitals called as anti-bonding molecular orbital