Question

How would $N—N$ bond distance or $O—O$ bond distance change when $N_2$ changes to $N_2^{+}$ and $O_2$ changes to $O_2^{+}$?

• A. increase, decrease
• B. decrease, increase
• C. increases in both the cases
• D. decreases in both the cases

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

When $N_2^{+}$ is formed from $N_2$, the electron is lost from the bonding molecular orbital and thus the bond order decreases. Consequently, the bond distance increases. When $O_2^{+}$ is formed, the electron is lost from an antibonding molecular orbital. Obviously, the bond order increases and the bond distance decreases.