Chapter 7, Problem 7.74QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The changes that occur in the H-H internuclear distance as the molecule ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ is ionized first to ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{+}}$ and then to ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{2+}}$ by using molecular orbital theory has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Molecular orbital theory

The atomic orbitals involved in bonding actually combine to form new orbitals that are the “property” of the entire molecule, rather than of the individual atoms forming the bonds. These new orbitals are called molecular orbitals.

In molecular orbital theory, electrons shared by atoms in a molecule reside in the molecular orbitals.