Final answer:
S-p mixing in the MO diagram for S₂ is unlikely due to the larger energy difference between the 3s and 3p orbitals in sulfur, suggesting that the σp orbital would be lower in energy than the πp orbitals, indicating negligible s-p mixing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns whether the MO diagram for S₂ would show s-p mixing or not. S-p mixing occurs when s and p orbitals have similar energies and effectively alters the stability of the molecular orbitals involved.
In the case of diatomic sulfur (S₂), we would expect minimal s-p mixing because sulfur's 3s and 3p orbitals have a larger energy difference compared to those in the second period elements like carbon or nitrogen, where s-p mixing is pronounced.
Therefore, in the MO diagram of S₂, the σp orbital would likely be lower in energy than the πp orbitals, indicating negligible s-p mixing.