alleryMolecular Orbital Theory uniquely EXPLAINS why O2 is:
ADiamagnetic (no unpaired electrons)
BStrongly ferromagnetic (like iron)
CParamagnetic (with 2 unpaired electrons)
DAntiferromagnetic in nature
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Paramagnetic (with 2 unpaired electrons)
MOT places O2's last 2 electrons in degenerate antibonding π* orbitals (Hund's rule: parallel spins).
So O2 has 2 unpaired electrons → PARAMAGNETIC.
Lewis structure incorrectly predicts diamagnetic.
MOT's elegant prediction.
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