MCQEasyJEE 2023Molecular Orbital Theory

JEE Chemistry 2023 Question with Solution

Consider the following statements:

(A) NF3\mathrm{NF_3} molecule has a trigonal planar structure.

(B) Bond length of N2\mathrm{N_2} is shorter than O2\mathrm{O_2}.

(C) Isoelectronic molecules or ions have identical bond order.

(D) Dipole moment of H2S\mathrm{H_2S} is higher than that of water molecule.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • A

    (A) and (B) are correct

  • B

    (B) and (C) are correct

  • C

    (C) and (D) are correct

  • D

    (A) and (D) are correct

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Four statements about NF3\mathrm{NF_3}, N2\mathrm{N_2}, O2\mathrm{O_2}, isoelectronic species, and dipole moment are to be checked.

Find: Which pair of statements is correct.

Step 1: Analysis of Statement (A).

The NF3\mathrm{NF_3} molecule has three bond pairs and one lone pair on nitrogen. Due to the presence of a lone pair, its geometry is trigonal pyramidal, not trigonal planar.

Hence, Statement (A) is incorrect.

Step 2: Analysis of Statement (B).

The bond order of N2\mathrm{N_2} is 33, while the bond order of O2\mathrm{O_2} is 22. Higher bond order corresponds to shorter bond length.

Therefore, the bond length of N2\mathrm{N_2} is shorter than that of O2\mathrm{O_2}.

Hence, Statement (B) is correct.

Step 3: Analysis of Statement (C).

Isoelectronic molecules or ions have the same number of electrons and similar electronic configurations, which generally results in identical bond order.

Hence, Statement (C) is correct.

Step 4: Analysis of Statement (D).

Water (H2O\mathrm{H_2O}) has a higher dipole moment than H2S\mathrm{H_2S} due to greater electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen compared to sulfur and hydrogen.

Hence, Statement (D) is incorrect.

Step 5: Conclusion.

Only Statements (B) and (C) are correct. Therefore, the correct option is B.

Quick Tip: Higher bond order means stronger and shorter bonds, and lone pairs significantly affect molecular geometry and dipole moment.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming NF3\mathrm{NF_3} is trigonal planar because it has three bonded atoms is incorrect, because the lone pair on nitrogen changes the molecular shape. Use VSEPR theory and count both bond pairs and lone pairs before deciding geometry.

  • Confusing bond length with bond order is incorrect, because higher bond order usually means a stronger and shorter bond. Compare bond orders of N2\mathrm{N_2} and O2\mathrm{O_2} before comparing their bond lengths.

  • Assuming H2S\mathrm{H_2S} has a higher dipole moment just because sulfur is heavier than oxygen is incorrect, because dipole moment depends on bond polarity and geometry, not simply atomic mass. Compare electronegativity difference and molecular shape instead.

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