CBSE Class 11-science Answered

Dear Student

 

 The aim of of molecular orbital theory is to describe the formation of molecules in a similar way as atoms, that is, in terms of orbitals, orbital diagrams, and electron configurations.

 

So, molecular orbital (MO) theory is a method for determining molecular structure in which electrons are not assigned to individual bonds between atoms.

Theory -- The basic theory of this theory is linear combination of atomic orbitals. The molecular orbitals are formed through the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO).

 

The molecular orbitals are further divided according to the types of atomic orbitals combining to form a bond. These orbitals are results of electron-nucleus interactions that are caused by the fundamental force of electromagnetism. 

The electrons of the involved atoms are counted and filled in the molecular orbitals in the following order starting from σ 1s orbital. the atomic orbitals of nearly same or same energy overlap and form a bonding and an antibonding molecular orbital.  Each of these molecular orbitals consits of a maximum of two electrons. For example the 1s of the two atoms overlap and form σ 1s and σ * 1s. Similarly the p_x of one atom overlaps with  p_x of the other atom and forms π and π* molecular orbitals.

How to write the electronic configuration?

 

The electronic configuration is written foloowing the same order as we fill the molecular orbitals.

 

For example Lets take an example of lithium.

 

 

So, we will write the electronic configuration as follows:

σ1s² σ*1s², σ2s² 

 

We hope that clarifies your query.

Regards

Team

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