Smallpox Is Considered a Serious Potential Biological Weapon, Whereas Anthrax

question 6

Essay

Smallpox is considered a serious potential biological weapon, whereas anthrax has been successfully used as one. Compare and contrast their potential with regard to the criteria for assessing biological threats.

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Definitions:

P Orbitals

Atomic orbitals described by quantum mechanics having a dumbbell shape and oriented along the x, y, and z axes, involved in forming pi bonds.

Relative Energies

Comparative measure of the energy levels of molecules in different states or configurations.

π Molecular Orbitals

Orbitals formed by the overlap of p-orbitals across adjacent atoms, involved in pi bonding, crucial for the understanding of conjugated systems.

Occupied π Molecular Orbitals

π molecular orbitals that contain electrons; they are involved in bonding between atoms and are crucial for understanding the reactivity of molecules.