Explain how molecular orbitals are arranged for molecules with atomic numbers greater than 7. How does this differ from molecular orbitals arrangement in molecules like N2?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of how molecular orbitals are arranged in molecules with atomic numbers greater than 7 and how this arrangement differs from that in molecular nitrogen (N2). This involves understanding the concepts of molecular orbital theory and the differences in electron configurations between these types of molecules.
Answer
For atomic numbers >7, π orbitals are lower than σ orbitals. For N2, σ orbitals are higher than π.
For molecules with atomic numbers greater than 7, the π orbitals are lower in energy than the σ orbitals. In molecules like N2 and those with atomic numbers 7 or lower, the σ orbitals are higher in energy than the π orbitals.
Answer for screen readers
For molecules with atomic numbers greater than 7, the π orbitals are lower in energy than the σ orbitals. In molecules like N2 and those with atomic numbers 7 or lower, the σ orbitals are higher in energy than the π orbitals.
More Information
This distinction arises because, in larger atoms, the increased nuclear charge impacts the energy of the atomic orbitals, altering the energy pattern between σ and π orbitals.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming the same molecular orbital order for all elements, not noticing the transition at atomic number 7.
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