When and are the wave functions of atomic orbitals, then is represented by:

Question

When  and  are the wave functions of atomic orbitals, then  is represented by:

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Molecular orbital theory — Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO):

Bonding MO (σ): Constructive interference of wave functions:

Electron density increases between nuclei.

Antibonding MO (σ): Destructive interference of wave functions:

Electron density decreases between nuclei (node between nuclei).

Key: The minus sign in σ leads to a nodal plane between the two nuclei, making it higher in energy than the atomic orbitals.

Answer: Option (2) —

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