All Questions
3
questions
34
votes
1
answer
10k
views
When is it true that more nodes equals higher energy?
Consider all the MOs of some isolated molecule. (It could be a single
atom too; I'll use MO to refer to AOs as well.) Number them in
increasing order of the number of nodes (node = surface where the ...
17
votes
1
answer
25k
views
How can I find the symmetry labels of atomic orbitals in a molecule?
What are the symmetry labels for the p and d orbitals of platinum in $\ce{[PtCl4]^2-}$?
I understand how to find the point group of a molecule, but am not sure how to use the character table to find ...
6
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Why does symmetry have to be maintained in molecular orbitals?
Using the example of $\ce{XeF4}$:
What is the physical explanation enforcing the symmetry of the $\ce{1b_{1g}}$ orbital on the fluorine atoms? Why isn't the symmetry of a nonbonding orbital arbitrary?...