Question

Which of the following molecular orbitals contains maximum number of nodal planes?

• A. ${\sigma }_{2s}$
• B. ${\sigma }_{2s}^{\ast }$
• C. ${\pi }_{2p_{\times }}$
• D. ${\pi }_{2p_{\times }}^{\ast }$

Answer 1

The correct option is D ${\pi }_{2p_{\times }}^{\ast }$

Nodal planes are planes in which probability of electron is zero.
For,
${\sigma }_{2s}\Rightarrow$ is shown in IMAGE $01\Rightarrow$ No nodal planes.
${\sigma }_{2s}^{\ast }\Rightarrow$ is shown in IMAGE $02\Rightarrow 1$ Nodal planes.
$\pi 2P_x\Rightarrow$ is shown in IMAGE $03\Rightarrow 1$ Nodal planes.
${\pi }^{\ast }2P_x\Rightarrow$ is shown in IMAGE $04\Rightarrow 2$ Nodal planes.