Name: All About Molecular Orbital Theory
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 9 min 36 s
Description: The molecular orbital theory revolutionised the study of chemical bonding by approximating the states of bonded electrons. Let's learn more about this theory.

Question

Use the molecular orbital theory to explain why the bond strength in a

N_{2}

molecule is greater than that in a

F_{2}

molecule.

Accepted Answer

Bond order is the number of bonds formed between two atoms. Greater is the bond order greater the stability and bond strength.

$N_{2}$ configuration:

$σ_{1 s^{2}} < σ_{1 s^{2}}^{*} < σ_{2 s^{2}} < σ_{2 s^{2}}^{*} < (π_{2 p_{x}^{2}} = π_{2 p_{y}^{2}}) < σ_{2 p_{z}^{2}}$

Bond order $= \frac{1}{2}$ (number of electrons in bonding molecular orbitals-number of electrons in anti bonding molecular orbitals)

Bond order of $N_{2} = \frac{10 - 4}{2}$

$= 3$

$F_{2}$ configuration:

$σ_{1 s^{2}} < σ_{1 s^{2}}^{*} < σ_{2 s^{2}} < σ_{2 s^{2}}^{*} < σ_{2 p_{z}^{2}} < (π_{2 p_{x}^{2}} = π_{2 p_{y}^{2}}) < (π_{2 p_{x}^{2}}^{*} = π_{2 p_{y}^{2}}^{*})$

Bond order $= \frac{1}{2}$ (number of electrons in bonding molecular orbitals-number of electrons in anti bonding molecular orbitals)

Bond order of $F_{2} = \frac{10 - 8}{2} = 1$

According to molecular orbital theory, bond order of $N_{2}$ molecule is $3$ and bond order of $F_{2}$ molecule is $1$ . The higher is the bond order, stronger is the pull between the two atoms and shorter is the bond length. So, bond strength in $N_{2}$ molecule is greater than that in $F_{2}$ molecule.

Use the molecular orbital theory to explain why the bond strength in a $N_{2}$ molecule is greater than that in a $F_{2}$ molecule.

Important Questions on The Covalent Bond

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !

Use the molecular orbital theory to explain why the bond strength in a N2 molecule is greater than that in a F2 molecule.

Important Questions on The Covalent Bond

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !

Use the molecular orbital theory to explain why the bond strength in a $N_{2}$ molecule is greater than that in a $F_{2}$ molecule.