Lecture 1: Introduction to Molecular Orbitals
Objectives and Skills
KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY
PROBLEMS
Problem 1.1: Atomic Orbitals
Sketch and label the three 2p atomic orbitals of nitrogen. SOLUTION
How many electrons would be filled in each 2p orbital? SOLUTION
Determine the complete electron configuration of nitrogen. SOLUTION
If you made some mistakes on the above problem, review the concepts that gave you trouble and work on an additional Atomic Orbitals problem.
Problem 1.2: Valence Bond (VB) Theory
Draw the VB theory orbital overlap for HCl. SOLUTION
Explain why a resulting bonding orbital is lower energy than an initial atomic orbital. SOLUTION
If you made some mistakes on the above problem, review the concepts that gave you trouble and work on an additional VB Theory problem.
Problem 1.3: Molecular Orbital (MO) Theory
Draw the MOs that result from the combination of a hydrogen atom and a helium atom. SOLUTION
Draw the MO diagram for H-He. Fill in the electrons, determine bond order, and whether or not this would be a stable molecule. SOLUTION