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The paramagnetism of O₂ is explained by MO theory because the molecule has:

Asp² hybridisation
BTwo unpaired electrons in π*2p_x and π*2p_y MOs
CTwo lone pairs on each oxygen
DA triple bond
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Two unpaired electrons in π*2p_x and π*2p_y MOs
O₂ MO configuration: KK(σ2s)²(σ*2s)²(σ2p_z)²(π2p_x)²(π2p_y)²(π*2p_x)¹(π*2p_y)¹. The two π* orbitals are each singly occupied → **two unpaired electrons** → paramagnetic — a triumph of MO theory over Lewis.
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