COMEDK · Chemistry · 4. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

According to Molecular orbital theory, which of the following is correct with respect to bond order?

A Bond order of \(\text{N}_2^+\) and \(\text{O}_2^+\) is less than \(\text{O}_2\)
B Bond order of \(\text{N}_2^+\) is less than \(\text{N}_2\) while that of \(\text{O}_2^+\) is more than \(\text{O}_2\).
C Bond order of \(\text{N}_2^+\) and \(\text{O}_2^+\) is more than \(\text{N}_2\)
D Bond order of \(\text{N}_2^+\) is less than \(\text{O}_2\) while that of \(\text{O}_2^+\) is more than \(\text{O}_2\).

Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(B) Bond order of \(\text{N}_2^+\) is less than \(\text{N}_2\) while that of \(\text{O}_2^+\) is more than \(\text{O}_2\).

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Bond order is calculated as \(\dfrac{N_b - N_a}{2}\), where \(N_b\) is the number of bonding electrons and \(N_a\) is the number of antibonding electrons. For \(\text{N}_2\) (\(14\) electrons), the molecular orbital configuration is:…

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.

Same subject

Explore more questions on app

From COMEDK

Explore more questions on app