The linear combination of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals takes place only when the combining atomic…
Chemical Bonding · Class 11 · JEE Main Previous Year Question
The linear combination of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals takes place only when the combining atomic orbitals:
A. have the same energy B. have the minimum overlap C. have same symmetry about the molecular axis D. have different symmetry about the molecular axis
- a
A, B, C only
- b✓
A and C only
- c
B, C, D only
- d
B and D only
A and C only
🧠 Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO) is effective only when the AOs meet specific conditions. Evaluate each:
A. Same energy: ✓ Essential — AOs with very different energies don't mix effectively.
B. Minimum overlap: ✗ Wrong — maximum overlap (not minimum) leads to effective bonding. Minimum overlap gives negligible interaction.
C. Same symmetry about the molecular axis: ✓ Essential — a σ-type AO cannot combine with a π-type AO due to symmetry mismatch (the bonding and antibonding contributions cancel).
D. Different energy: ✗ Directly contradicts condition A.
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