Which of the following linear combination of atomic orbitals will lead to formation of molecular orbitals in homonuclear diatomic molecules (internuclear axis in z-direction)?

A. and
B. and
C.

Question

Which of the following linear combination of atomic orbitals will lead to formation of molecular orbitals in homonuclear diatomic molecules (internuclear axis in z-direction)?

A.  and  
B.  and  
C.  and  
D.  and  
E.  and

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Strategy:
 In Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO), orbitals must have compatible symmetry about the internuclear axis (z-direction) and comparable energy to form molecular orbitals.

Assessment:
- (A)  () and  (): Mismatch ✗
- (B)  () and  (): Mismatch ✗
- (D)  and : Both have circular () symmetry about the z-axis. Compatible. ✓

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