Question

In a homonuclear molecule, which of die following sets of orbitals is degenerate?

• A. $\sigma 1 s$ and $\sigma 2 s$
• B. $\pi 2 p_{x}$ and $\pi 2 p_{y}$
• C. $\pi 2 p_{x}$ and $\sigma 2 p_{z}$
• D. $\sigma 2 p_{x}$ and $\sigma^{*} 2 p_{z}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Orbitals having nearly same energy are called degenerate orbitals. Among the given, $\pi 2 p_{x}$ and $\pi 2 p_{y}$ orbitals are of equivalent energy, thus are called degenerate orbitals.