Question

Molecular orbital theory correctly predicts paramagnetism of oxygen gas. true or false

Answer 1

Answer: Yes.

Explanation:

Oxygen has a bond order of two. The bond order of Oxygen molecule is calculated, where the [eight valence electrons in bonding molecular orbitals minus (-) four valence electrons in antibonding molecular orbitals]/2 in the electron configuration.

Atoms/molecules where electrons are paired are diamagnetic (repelled by both poles of a magnetic); while atoms/molecules that have one or more unpaired electrons are paramagnetic (attracted to magnetic field).

The two unpaired electrons of dioxygen molecules has made it paramagnetic. By pouring liquid oxygen between the poles of a strong magnet, the liquid stream will be contained by the filed and fills up the space between the poles.