When two atoms form a covalent bond, they share electrons from all of their orbitals. All of their orbitals, in turn, combine to form a single molecular orbital. True or false?

Question

Nash Armstrong

Chemistry

3 January, 20:21

When two atoms form a covalent bond, they share electrons from all of their orbitals. All of their orbitals, in turn, combine to form a single molecular orbital. True or false?

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Answers (1)

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Blake Martin · Answer 1

It's false.

Explanation:

Molecular orbital theory states that the number of molecular orbitals is equal to the number of atomic orbitals that overlap. The lowest energy molecular orbital is formed when two atomic orbitals that are in phase overlap, forming a bonding molecular orbital. However, another molecular orbital is also formed, called an anti-binding orbital.

So if an "n" quantity of atomic orbitals is combined, an "n" quantity of molecular orbitals is formed.

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