Concept Review Questions Chapter 3

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Concept Review Questions

Section 1

1. What are the assumptions (axioms) of molecular orbital (MO) theory?

2. Explain qualitatively why the vectorial addition of atomic orbitals creates molecular orbitals (which underlying physical phenomenon is described by the vectorial addition?).

3. Explain qualitatively why molecular orbital theory is suitable to describe covalent bonding.

4. What are the three criteria that determine the degree of covalent interaction in MO theory?

5. Which three rules determine the degree of orbital overlap in MO theory?

6. Explain why the combination of a large, diffuse orbital and a small orbital produces only weak covalent interaction?

7. Explain why sigma-interactions between atomic orbitals typically produce larger orbital overlaps than pi-interactions?

8. Explain why the combination of orbitals of the same energy leads to the largest degree of covalent interaction?

9. What can be said about energy and location of a bonding and an anti-bonding molecular orbital that are made from atomic orbitals of large energy difference?

10. MO theory – even though designed for covalent bonding – can also make statements about ionic bonding. Explain why.

11. Explain the principles of SALC.

Dr. Kai Landskron (Lehigh University). If you like this textbook, please consider to make a donation to support the author's research at Lehigh University: Click Here to Donate.