ALEKS: Using the MO model to predict bond order and paramagnetism

[@sargamsharma4788]

Roxi, you’re actually such a blessing!! I’ve been staring at this problem for the better part of an hour and you helped me understand in 2 minutes!

[@RoxiHulet]

Yay! Happy to help!!

[@ellam541]

thank you so much for all your videos! you have singlehandedly gotten me through chem

[@RoxiHulet]

You are so welcome!

[@adnaneldurssi1201]

Is there a better way to memorize the order of bonding/ antibonding pi and sigma bonds, especially since it differes between sides of group 6a?

[@sofiaaxx7987]

Isnt the number of valence electrons in O 6? and not 8?

[@RoxiHulet]

I used (and said) the "total" number of electrons, not the valence electrons. I'm including the n=1 level, which means that I need to include all electrons. But yes, there are 6 valence electrons in oxygen.

[@raphaelsolis2901]

Wait doesn't Boron have 3 valence electrons? Great videos btw tysm!

[@RoxiHulet]

Yes, you are correct. I did once say "valence" but I meant and used the total number of electrons in boron. And in this process you want to use the total number of electrons, not the valence electrons, because the MO diagram includes both the n=1 and n=2 energy levels. If you wanted to just use the valence electrons, you would need to exclude the n=1 orbitals from the MO diagram.

[@sofiac3242]

I could be wrong but doesn't Li have only 1 valence electron?

[@RoxiHulet]

Yes, I made that verbal mistake twice - I said "valence" but meant "total".

[@lexiwagner168]

If the bond order is 0 is it unstable?

[@RoxiHulet]

Excellent question - a bond order of zero means that it is so unstable the bond does not even exist... zero bond :)

[@GabeHickner]

i love you roxi

[@RoxiHulet]

I love you too, Gabe!