The total number of molecular orbitals formed from 2 s and 2 p atomic orbitals of a diatomic molecule

Step-by-step solution

2s and 2p atomic orbitals combine, forming σ (sigma) and π (pi) molecular orbitals. σ orbitals result from head-on overlap, while π orbitals arise from sideways overlap. This molecular orbital theory explains the bonding in molecules 2 s orbital will form, two molecular orbitals σ 2 s and σ * 2 s . 2 p orbital will form six molecular orbitals σ 2 p z and σ * 2 p z . π 2 p x , π 2 p y and π * 2 p x , π * 2 p y Hence the total number of molecular orbitals formed from 2 s and 2 p atomic orbitals of a diatomic molecule