Question

In the molecular orbital (MO) diagram for F2, the σ2s molecular orbital is _____.

a) more stable than in Li2
b) less stable than in Li2
c) equally stable as in Li2
d) not affected by Li2

Answer 1

The σ2s molecular orbital in F2 is less stable than in Li2.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the molecular orbital (MO) diagram for F2, the σ2s molecular orbital is less stable than in Li2.

According to the information provided, the energy difference between the 2s and 2p atomic orbitals increases from Li2 to F2 due to increasing nuclear charge and poor screening of the 2s electrons by electrons in the 2p subshell.

The bonding interaction between the 2s orbital on one atom and the 2pz orbital on the other is most important when the two orbitals have similar energies. In Li2, the σ2s orbital is more stable than in F2.