Question

According to MO theory which of the following lists ranks the nitrogen species in terms of increasing bond order?

Options

• \[\ce{N^2-_2<N^-_2<N_2}\]

• \[\ce{N_2<N^2-_2<N^-_2}\]

• \[\ce{N^-_2<N^2-_2<N_2}\]

• \[\ce{N^-_2<N_2<N^2-_2}\]

Answer 1

\[\ce{N^2-_2<N^-_2<N_2}\]

Explanation:

Calculate the bond order of all the ions and molecules.

Bond order = `("No. of bond pairs − No. of anti bonding pairs")/2`

For \[\ce{N^2-_2}\]

= `(10-6)/2`

= 2

For \[\ce{N^-_2}\]

= `(10-5)/2`

= 2.5

For N₂

= `(10-4)/2`

= 3