Difference between Bonding and Antibonding Orbitals Quiz and Flashcards

Which type of overlapping of atomic orbitals forms a σ bond?

What type of combination of atomic orbitals may form a σ bond?

Which type of molecular orbital is more stable than both antibonding molecular orbitals and parent atomic orbitals?

What is the electron density like in antibonding molecular orbitals?

What is the main difference between bonding and antibonding orbitals?

In molecular orbital theory, what type of bond is formed when atomic orbitals intersect in a sideways positive direction perpendicular to the internuclear axis?

How are sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds formed in relation to each other?

What are the characteristics of pi* (π*)-orbitals in molecular orbital theory?

What is the bond order for carbon (C2) based on its molecular orbital energies?

What determines the stability of a resulting molecule in molecular orbital theory?

Types of Bonds and Atomic Orbitals

σ (sigma) bonds are formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals.
σ bonds can also form through the combination of two s orbitals, an s and a p orbital, or two p orbitals aligned end-to-end.

Stability of Molecular Orbitals

Bonding molecular orbitals are more stable than both antibonding molecular orbitals and parent atomic orbitals.
Antibonding molecular orbitals possess electron density concentrated outside the region between the nuclei, unlike bonding orbitals.

Bonding vs. Antibonding Orbitals

The main distinction between bonding and antibonding orbitals lies in their electron density distribution and energy levels; bonding orbitals promote stability, while antibonding orbitals hinder it.

Molecular Orbital Interactions

In molecular orbital theory, a bond is formed when atomic orbitals intersect sideways in a positive manner, leading to the creation of π (pi) bonds.

Relationship Between σ and π Bonds

σ bonds are formed before π bonds; a σ bond must exist first, followed by the formation of π bonds through lateral overlaps.

Characteristics of π* Orbitals

π* (pi star) orbitals are antibonding orbitals associated with π bonds; they have higher energy than the corresponding bonding π orbitals.

Bond Order Calculation

The bond order for carbon in the C2 molecule can be derived from its molecular orbital energy levels and typically equals 2, indicating a double bond.

Stability of Molecules in Molecular Orbital Theory

The stability of a resulting molecule is influenced by the bond order, with higher bond orders corresponding to greater stability, reflecting the balance of bonding and antibonding electrons.

Test your knowledge about bonding and antibonding orbitals in chemistry. Learn about the differences between the two types of orbitals and their roles in chemical bonding.