The linear combination of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals
takes place only when the combining atomic orbitals

A. have the same energy
B. have the minimum overlap
C. have same symmetry about the molecular axis
D. have different symmetry about the molecular axis

Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:

Question

The linear combination of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals
takes place only when the combining atomic orbitals

A. have the same energy
B. have the minimum overlap
C. have same symmetry about the molecular axis
D. have different symmetry about the molecular axis

Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:

YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: b) A and C only. To form molecular orbitals by Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO), the following conditions must be satisfied: Condition Reason A. Same energy Orbitals must be of similar energy for effective interaction C. Same symmetry Orbitals must have the same symmetry about the molecular axis B. Minimum overlap Wrong — we need maximum overlap for stronger bonding D. Different symmetry Wrong — orbitals with different symmetry cannot combine

Condition	Reason
A. Same energy	Orbitals must be of similar energy for effective interaction
C. Same symmetry	Orbitals must have the same symmetry about the molecular axis
B. Minimum overlap	Wrong — we need maximum overlap for stronger bonding
D. Different symmetry	Wrong — orbitals with different symmetry cannot combine

The linear combination of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals takes place only when the combining atomic orbitals…

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