Question

Antibonding molecular orbital is formed by

• A. Addition of two atomic orbitals
• B. Subtraction of two atomic orbitals
• C. Interaction of two atomic orbitals
• D. Combination of two atomic orbitals

Hint:

Antibonding orbitals have higher energy than the atomic orbitals from which they form, and they tend to destabilize the molecule.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Antibonding molecular orbitals are formed when two atomic orbitals combine in such a way that they cancel each other out, leading to destructive interference. This process is known as the subtraction of atomic orbitals.

Step 2: - (A) Addition of atomic orbitals forms bonding molecular orbitals.
- (C) Interaction of atomic orbitals is a general term, but it doesn't specify the formation of antibonding orbitals.
- (D) Combination refers to both bonding and antibonding orbital formation, but antibonding orbitals specifically form by subtraction.
Conclusion: Antibonding molecular orbitals are formed by the subtraction of atomic orbitals.