Question

Write the Electronic configuration, Energy level diagram for the molecular orbitals of Oxygen molecule (O₂). Calculate its bond order and give reason as to why O₂ is paramagnetic.

Answer 1

Atomic number of oxygen = 8. Electronic configuration of oxygen = 1s²2s²2p⁴. 

When two oxygen atoms combines, the molecular orbital energy level diagram is as shown in the figure. 

From the diagram, the molecular electronic configuration of oxygen is

Magnetic property: There are two unpaired electrons 

therefore, oxygen molecule is a paramagnetic in nature.