How many nodal planes are contained in Π^* molecular orbital?

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This question was previously asked in

DSSSB PGT Chemistry (Female) Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jul, 2018 Shift 1)

Answer 1

CONCEPT:

Nodal planes in molecular orbitals

Molecular orbitals are formed by the combination of atomic orbitals and can be bonding, antibonding, or non-bonding.
The number of nodal planes in a molecular orbital determines the regions where the probability of finding an electron is zero.
For a π* molecular orbital (antibonding π orbital):
- A π orbital is formed by the sideways overlap of two p orbitals.
- The antibonding π* molecular orbital has an additional nodal plane compared to the bonding π molecular orbital.

EXPLANATION:
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In a π molecular orbital:
- There is 1 nodal plane between the p orbitals (due to their opposite phase).
In the π* molecular orbital:
- An additional nodal plane is introduced between the nuclei due to the antibonding nature of the orbital.
- Thus, the total number of nodal planes in the π* molecular orbital is 2.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

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