Question

Which phrases below accurately complete the sentence? (Choose all that apply.) The bonding molecular orbital in a hydrogen molecule:

a. results from the constructive combination of 1s atomic orbitals.
b. results from the destructive combination of 1s atomic orbitals.
c. can accommodate 2-4 electrons.
d. contains a nodal plane.
e. is lower in energy than the σ*1s orbital.

Answer 1

The bonding molecular orbital in a hydrogen molecule can accommodate 2-4 electrons and is lower in energy than the σ*1s orbital.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bonding molecular orbital in a hydrogen molecule can accommodate 2-4 electrons and is lower in energy than the σ*1s orbital.

In a hydrogen molecule, the two He 1s atomic orbitals combine to form two molecular orbitals: a bonding orbital with lower energy and an antibonding orbital with higher energy. The bonding orbital can hold up to 2 electrons, while the antibonding orbital can hold up to 4 electrons. The electrons in the bonding molecular orbital have lower energy compared to the 1s atomic orbital of the separated hydrogen atoms.