Chapter 5: Problem 13

In the formation of a \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}\) molecule, the overlapping of orbitals takes place.

Short Answer

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Answer: In a Br₂ molecule, a single sigma bond is formed between the two bromine atoms through the overlap of their 4p orbitals.

Step by step solution

Understand the Electron Configuration of Bromine

To begin, we need to know the electron configuration of the bromine (Br) atom. Bromine has an atomic number of 35, meaning it has 35 electrons. The electron configuration for Br is: \(1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{2} 3d^{10} 4p^{5}\). This tells us that bromine has 5 electrons in its outermost shell (the 4p subshell), which are responsible for bonding with another bromine atom.

Identify the Orbitals Involved in Bonding

Since Br has 5 valence electrons in its 4p orbital, it will use this orbital to form a bond with another Br atom. The 4p orbitals from each Br atom will overlap, creating a bond between the two atoms.

Determine the Type of Overlap

There are two types of orbital overlap that can occur: sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds. Sigma bonds occur when the orbitals overlap along the internuclear axis, while pi bonds occur when the orbitals overlap above and below the internuclear axis. In the case of Br₂, the overlap of the 4p orbitals leads to the formation of a sigma bond. Since the electron density is concentrated on the internuclear axis, this bond is strong and stable.

Describe the Resulting Molecular Orbital

As a result of the overlapping of the 4p orbitals from each bromine atom, a molecular orbital is formed. This molecular orbital consists of two lobes aligned along the internuclear axis, with the maximum electron density between the two nuclei. The Br₂ molecule now has a single sigma bond holding the two bromine atoms together. In summary, the Br₂ molecule is formed when the 4p orbitals from each bromine atom overlap, creating a single sigma bond between the two atoms, resulting in a stable and strong bond in the Br₂ molecule.

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In the formation of a \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}\) molecule, the overlapping of orbitals takes place.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Electron Configuration of Bromine

Identify the Orbitals Involved in Bonding

Determine the Type of Overlap

Describe the Resulting Molecular Orbital

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