Consider two 2p orbitals, one on each of two different atoms, oriented side-to-side, as in Figure Pl.46. Imagine bringing these nuclei together so that overlap occurs as shown in the figure. This overlap results in a system of molecular orbitals.
(a) Sketch the shape of the resulting bonding and anti bonding molecular orbitals.
(b) Identify the node(s) in each.
(c) When two electrons occupy the bonding molecular orbital, is the resulting bond a σ bond? Explain.