Question

Discuss the formation of N₂ molecule using MO Theory.

Answer 1

Molecular orbitals of N₂

1. Electronic configuration of N atom 1s2 2s2 2p3

2. Electronic configuration of N, molecule is: σ1s² σ*1s² σ2s² σ*2s² π2p_y² π2p_z² σ2p_x² 

3. Bond order = \(\frac{N_b-N_a}{2}\) = \(\frac{10-4}{2}\) = 3

4. Molecule has no unpaired electrons hence, it is diamagnetic.