Which of the following statements is/are true of molecular orbital?
1) A bonding molecular orbital is lower in energy than the atomic orbitals of which it is composed.2. Electrons in a bonding molecular orbital favor the separated atoms.3. An antibonding molecular orbital is higher in energy than the atomic orbitals of which it is composed.
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3
C) 2 only
D) 2 and 3
E) 3 only

Question

Which of the following statements is/are true of molecular orbital?
1) A bonding molecular orbital is lower in energy than the atomic orbitals of which it is composed.2. Electrons in a bonding molecular orbital favor the separated atoms.3. An antibonding molecular orbital is higher in energy than the atomic orbitals of which it is composed.
A) ​1 only
B) ​1 and 3
C) ​2 only
D) ​2 and 3
E) ​3 only

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is true because bonding molecular orbitals are formed by the constructive interference of atomic orbitals, leading to greater electron density between the nuclei and a lower energy than their constituent atomic orbitals. 
Statement 2 is false because electrons in a bonding molecular orbital favor the region of space between the two nuclei, not the separated atoms. 
Statement 3 is true because antibonding molecular orbitals are formed by the destructive interference of atomic orbitals, leading to a node between the nuclei and a higher energy than their constituent atomic orbitals.

Which of the Following Statements Is/are True of Molecular Orbital