Which one of the following statements regarding molecular orbitals for diatomic molecules is not correct?
A) An atomic orbital on one atom combines with an atomic orbital on the other atom to form two molecular orbitals.
B) 2p atomic orbitals only form $\pi$ and $\pi$* molecular orbitals.
C) 2s atomic orbitals only form $\sigma$ and $\sigma$* atomic orbitals.
D) ($\sigma$ orbitals are symmetric with respect to rotation around the internuclear axis; $\pi$ orbitals do not have this symmetry.)
E) A bonding molecular orbital describes the build-up of negatively charged electrons between the nuclei.

Question

Which one of the following statements regarding molecular orbitals for diatomic molecules is not correct?
A) An atomic orbital on one atom combines with an atomic orbital on the other atom to form two molecular orbitals.
B) 2p atomic orbitals only form  $\pi$ and  $\pi$* molecular orbitals.
C) 2s atomic orbitals only form $\sigma$ and $\sigma$* atomic orbitals.
D) ($\sigma$ orbitals are symmetric with respect to rotation around the internuclear axis;  $\pi$ orbitals do not have this symmetry.)
E) A bonding molecular orbital describes the build-up of negatively charged electrons between the nuclei.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect because 2p atomic orbitals form four molecular orbitals: F1F1F1S1, F1F1F1S1*, F1F1F1P1 and F1F1F1P1*.

Which One of the Following Statements Regarding Molecular Orbitals for Diatomic