Assume internuclear axis to be z-axis, the correct molecular orbital representation of \(\pi^*\) antibonding molecular orbital formed by overlapping between two \(p\) orbitals will be:
To determine the correct molecular orbital representation of the \(\pi^*\) antibonding molecular orbital formed by overlapping between two \(p\) orbitals along the z-axis, we need to understand the concepts of molecular orbital theory and how orbitals overlap.
Explanation:
In molecular orbital theory, \(\pi\) molecular orbitals are formed by the side-by-side overlap of \(p\) orbitals.
The orbital along the internuclear axis (z-axis in this case) doesn't participate in \(\pi\)-bonding.
\(\pi^*\) represents the antibonding orbital formed by the side-by-side overlap, which is characterized by a node between the two nuclei. Antibonding orbitals have higher energy than bonding orbitals.
Upon examining the options, we identify that Option 3 illustrates two \(p\) orbitals overlapping with a node, which is the characteristic of a \(\pi^*\) antibonding orbital.
Conclusion: Therefore, the correct molecular orbital representation for the \(\pi^*\) antibonding molecular orbital is represented by Option 3.
