Consider the valence molecular orbitals for the Na2 molecule that result from mixing the 3s valence atomic orbitals on each of the Na atoms.

a. How many molecular orbitals will be formed?

b. What is the bond order of the Na2 molecule?

c. What is the bond order of the Na2+ molecular ion?

d. Which is expected to have the longer Na—Na bond, Na2 or Na2+?

e. Which is expected to have the stronger Na—Na bond, Na2 or Na2+?