How many nodal planes are present in `pi (2p_(x)) and pi^(**) (2p_(x))` molecular orbitals ?

Explanation

To determine the number of nodal planes present in the π (2p_x) and π* (2p_x) molecular orbitals, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the concept of nodal planes
A nodal plane is a region in a molecular orbital where the probability of finding an electron is zero. For molecular orbitals, nodal planes can be visualized as planes that divide the orbital into regions of positive and negative phase.

### Step 2: Analyze the π (2p_x) molecular orbital
The π (2p_x) molecular orbital is formed from the lateral overlap of two p orbitals (2p_x) from adjacent atoms. In this case:
- The π (2p_x) orbital has one nodal plane that passes through the nucleus of the atoms involved in bonding. This plane divides the orbital into two lobes, one with positive phase and the other with negative phase.
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