NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
How does the mutual repulsion of electrons in an antibonding molecular orbital compare to the attraction between the electrons and the nuclei?
Options
- ARepulsion is weaker than attraction.
- BRepulsion is stronger than attraction.
- CRepulsion and attraction are equal.
- DRepulsion and attraction are unrelated.
Correct answer
B. Repulsion is stronger than attraction.
Step-by-step solution
In an antibonding molecular orbital, the mutual repulsion of electrons is stronger than the attraction between the electrons and the nuclei, resulting in a net increase in energy.