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]?

Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals | JEE Main PYQ | Chemical Bonding

(A) 2p_z and 2p_x

(B) 2s and 2p_x

(D) 2s and 2p_z

(E) 2p_z and 3d_x²−y²

Correct Answer: D only

Explanation

For effective linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO), the orbitals must have the same symmetry about the internuclear axis and comparable energies.

When the internuclear axis is along the z-direction, orbitals like 2s and 2p_z have proper symmetry to overlap and form molecular orbitals.

Other given combinations either differ in symmetry or orientation, hence do not form molecular orbitals.

Previous Year Questions – Chemical Bonding

Which of the following statement is true with respect to H2O, NH3 and CH4 ?

Which of the following statements related to H2O, NH3 and CH4 are correct ?

Experimentally determined oxygen–oxygen bond lengths in the O3 are found to be same and the bond length is greater than that of a O = O but less than that of a single O–O bond

Consider ‘n’ is the number of lone pair of electrons present in the equatorial position of the most stable structure of ClF3

The molecules having square pyramidal geometry are

JEE Main Chapter-wise PYQs – Chemistry