Which of the following molecular orbital has two nodal planes perpendicular to each other?

Options

A. `sigma_(2s)`
B. `pi_(px)`
C. `pi_(2py)^(**)`
D. `sigma_(2pz)^(**)`

Answer

To determine which molecular orbital has two nodal planes that are perpendicular to each other, we can analyze the characteristics of different molecular orbitals. Let's go through the steps systematically:

### Step 1: Understand the Types of Molecular Orbitals
Molecular orbitals can be classified as bonding or antibonding. Bonding molecular orbitals are formed by constructive interference of atomic orbitals, while antibonding molecular orbitals are formed by destructive interference.

### Step 2: Analyze Sigma and Pi Molecular Orbitals
- **Sigma (σ) Molecular Orbitals**: These orbitals are formed by head-on overlapping of atomic orbitals. For example, σ2s and σ2p orbitals do not have nodal planes.
- **Pi (π) Molecular Orbitals**: These orbitals are formed by lateral overlapping of atomic orbitals. They typically have nodal planes.

### Step 3: Identify Nodal Planes
A nodal plane is a region where the probability of finding an electron is zero. For pi molecular orbitals, there are typically one or more nodal planes.

### Step 4: Evaluate the Given Options
1. **σ2s**: This is a bonding molecular orbital with no nodal planes.
2. **π2px**: This is a bonding molecular orbital with one nodal plane.
3. **π*2py**: This is an antibonding molecular orbital. It has two nodal planes that are perpendicular to each other.
4. **σ*2pz**: This is an antibonding molecular orbital with one nodal plane.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The molecular orbital that has two nodal planes perpendicular to each other is **π*2py**.

### Final Answer
**π*2py** has two nodal planes that are perpendicular to each other.

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