Question

Arrange the following MO's in order of increasing energy. Input format is letters a-d.

Options:
a) σ, π, δ, φ
b) σ, π, φ, δ
c) π, σ, δ, φ
d) π, δ, σ, φ

Answer 1

The correct arrangement of molecular orbitals from lowest to highest energy is σ, π, δ, φ. Therefore, the correct option for the question is a) σ, π, δ, φ.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves molecular orbitals (MOs), which are part of quantum chemistry and chemical bonding concepts. In terms of energy, the typical order from lowest to highest is usually σ (sigma), π (pi), δ (delta), φ (phi). This is because σ bonds are typically the strongest binding MOs, involving head-on overlap of orbitals, while π, δ, and φ involve progressively less overlap or more complex interactions between orbitals.

To answer the student's question directly, the correct option for arranging the MOs in order of increasing energy is option a) σ, π, δ, φ.