If an electron is added to H₂ it would go into a A)σ molecular orbital and strengthen the H-H bond. B)σ molecular orbital and weaken the H-H bond. C)σ* molecular orbital and strengthen the H-H bond. D)σ* molecular orbital and weaken the H-H bond.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

H₂ is a dihydrogen molecule, so its molecular orbitals include a σ bonding orbital and a σ* antibonding orbital. Adding an electron to the σ* antibonding orbital would destabilize the molecule and weaken the H-H bond. Therefore, the correct choice is D, σ* molecular orbital and weaken the H-H bond.

If an Electron Is Added to H2 It Would Go

If an Electron Is Added to H₂ It Would Go