Question

Which of the following represents s - s, s - p and p - p overlap respectively?

• A. I, II, III
• B. III, II, I
• C. I, III, II
• D. II, III, I

Answer 1

The correct option is C

I, III, II

Let's see, what will be s - s, s - p and p - p overlap.

s-s overlap $\to$ Overlap of two half filled s-orbitals along the inter-nuclear axis.

s-p overlap $\to$ Overlap between half-filled p-orbitals of one atom and half-filled s-orbitals of another atom.

p-p overlap $\to$ Overlap between half-filled p-orbitals of the two approaching atoms.

Therefore, the correct order is

I $\Rightarrow$ $s-s$ overlap,II $\Rightarrow$ $p-p$ overlap and III $\Rightarrow$ $s-p$ overlap