Answer
The removal of an antibonding electron strengthens the bonding in O2, while the removal of a bonding electron weakens the bonding in N2, as predicted by the molecular orbital theory.
Work Step by Step
The removal of one electron in O2 strengthens the bonding, while the removal of one electron in N2 weakens the bonding, according to molecular orbital theory.
In the O2 molecule, the 16th electron (the one removed to form O2+) occupies an antibonding orbital. When this electron is removed, the antibonding character is lost, which strengthens the overall bond. The loss of the antibonding electron results in a higher bond order and stronger bonding.
In contrast, in the N2 molecule, the 15th electron (the one removed to form N2+) occupies a bonding orbital. When this electron is removed, the bonding character is reduced, which weakens the overall bond. The loss of a bonding electron results in a lower bond order and weaker bonding.
The key difference is the location of the removed electron in the molecular orbital diagram. In O2, the removal of an antibonding electron increases the bond order, while in N2, the removal of a bonding electron decreases the bond order, leading to weaker bonding.
