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manenbu
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What does "doubly degenerate" mean, when discussing molecular orbitals?
Doubly degenerate meaning in molecular orbitals refers to a situation where two orbitals have the same energy level and can accommodate two electrons with opposite spins. This means that these two orbitals are indistinguishable and cannot be assigned a specific location or orientation in space.
Doubly degenerate orbitals have a lower energy compared to non-degenerate orbitals, which results in stronger bonding between atoms in a molecule. This is because the electrons in these orbitals have a higher probability of being in the same region of space, leading to a more stable bonding arrangement.
Doubly degenerate orbitals are formed when two atomic orbitals with the same energy level and symmetry combine to form molecular orbitals. This can occur when two atoms with the same electronegativity bond together, resulting in symmetric overlap of atomic orbitals.
No, doubly degenerate orbitals cannot be distinguished or separated as they have the same energy level and symmetry. This is because they are a combination of two atomic orbitals and do not have a specific location or orientation in space.
The concept of doubly degenerate meaning is a fundamental aspect of molecular orbital theory. It helps to explain the bonding and energy levels in molecules and plays a crucial role in predicting and understanding the properties of chemical compounds.