Explain the formation of nitrogen molecules by molecular orbital theory (MOT).

A molecular orbital (or MO) is an orbital in the atomic structure of molecules. It is a molecule’s electron wave function that is used to calculate its chemical and physical properties.

Molecular orbital diagram of nitrogen molecule:

Given molecule  – Nitrogen

Element – Nitrogen

Atomic number of nitrogen – 7

Electronic configuration – 1s²2s²2p³

Total number of electrons in nitrogen molecule – 14

Molecular orbital diagram of N₂ is as follows;

Electronic configuration: