Question

Arrange the following in the correct order of their bond orders: N$_2$, O$_2$, O$_2^+$, O$_2^-$

• A. II>III>I>IV
• B. III>II>IV>I
• C. I>III>II>IV
• D. I>II>III>IV

Hint:

Use Molecular Orbital Theory for species with close energy levels.
Bond order = \( \frac{1}{2} (\text{bonding electrons} - \text{antibonding electrons}) \)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Bond orders: \[ \text{N}_2: 3, \quad \text{O}_2^+: 2.5, \quad \text{O}_2: 2, \quad \text{O}_2^-: 1.5 \] So the decreasing order is: \[ N_2>O_2^+>O_2>O_2^- \]