Which of the following molecular orbitals has the maximum number of nodal planes?

To determine which molecular orbital has the maximum number of nodal planes, we need to consider the molecular orbital diagram. In a molecular orbital diagram, the molecular orbitals are represented by horizontal lines, and the nodal planes are represented by vertical lines that intersect the molecular orbitals.

The number of nodal planes in a molecular orbital is determined by the number of nodes, which are regions of zero electron density. A node is formed when the wave functions of the atomic orbitals that combine to form the molecular orbital have opposite signs and cancel each other out.

In general, the number of nodal planes in a molecular orbital increases with increasing energy. This means that the higher energy molecular orbitals tend to have more nodal planes than the lower energy ones.

To determine which molecular orbital has the maximum number of nodal planes, we need to look at the molecular orbital diagram and identify the highest energy molecular orbital. This orbital will have the most nodal planes.

Please provide the molecular orbital diagram or specify the specific molecular orbitals you want me to analyze, so that I can give you a more specific answer.