QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"N₂ is diamagnetic while O₂ is paramagnetic. Explain on the basis of molecular orbital theory.
A. The answer cannot be explained by molecular orbital theory.
B. N₂ has unpaired electrons, making it diamagnetic.
C. O₂ has unpaired electrons, making it diamagnetic.
D. N₂ has paired electrons, making it paramagnetic.
"
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this problem step by step using molecular orbital theory:
Step 2:: Understand Molecular Orbital Theory Basics
- Molecular orbital theory explains chemical bonding by combining atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals - Electrons fill molecular orbitals from lowest to highest energy levels - The electron configuration determines magnetic properties
Step 3:: Electron Configuration of N₂
\sigma_{1s}^{2} \sigma^{*}_{1s}^{2} \sigma_{2s}^{2} \sigma^{*}_{2s}^{2} \pi_{2p}^{4} \sigma_{2p}^{2}
- In N₂ molecular orbital diagram:
Step 4:: Electron Configuration of O₂
\sigma_{1s}^{2} \sigma^{*}_{1s}^{2} \sigma_{2s}^{2} \sigma^{*}_{2s}^{2} \pi_{2p}^{4} \sigma_{2p}^{2} \pi^{*}_{2p}^{2}
- In O₂ molecular orbital diagram:
Step 5:: Magnetic Properties Analysis
- O₂: Has two unpaired electrons in $$\pi^{*}_{2p}$$ orbitals
- N₂: All electrons are paired in molecular orbitals - No unpaired electrons - Diamagnetic - Unpaired electrons - Paramagnetic
Final Answer
N₂ has paired electrons, making it diamagnetic.
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