Question

Use molecular orbital theory to determine whether He2 2+ or He2 + is more stable. Use molecular orbital theory to determine whether He2 2+ or He2 + is more stable. The He2 + ion is more stable since it has a higher bond order (bond order = 1) than the He2 2+ ion (bond order = 1/2). The He2 + ion is more stable since it has a higher bond order (bond order = 2) than the He2 2+ ion (bond order = 1). The He2 2+ ion is more stable since it has a lower bond order (bond order = 1/2) than the He2 + ion (bond order = 1). The He2 2+ a lower bond order (bond order = 3/2) than the He2 + ion (bond order = 2). The He2 2+ ion is more stable since it has a higher bond order (bond order = 1) than the He2 + ion (bond order = 1/2).

Answer 1

Answer:

The He₂ 2+ ion is more stable since it has a higher bond order (bond order = 1) than the He₂ + ion (bond order = 1/2).

Explanation:

Molecular orbital of He₂⁺

$1\sigma_{1s}^21\sigma(star)_{1s}^1$

There are two electrons in bonding and 1 electron in antibonding orbital

Bond order = $\frac{(2-1)}{2}$    

= $\frac{1}{2}$

Molecular orbital of He₂⁺²

$1\sigma_{1s}^21\sigma(star)_{1s}^0$

There are two electrons in bonding and 0 electron in antibonding orbital

Bond order = $\frac{(2-0)}{2}$

= 1

So bond order of He₂⁺² is 1 which is more stable than He₂⁺ whose bond order is   $\frac{1}{2}$   .