Q37E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Why are bonding molecular orbitals lower in energy than the parent atomic orbitals?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The bonding molecular orbitals are lower in energy than the atomic orbitals because of the increased stability associated with the formation of a bond

Step 1: Definition of Parent atomic orbitals

An atomic orbital is a mathematical function in atomic theory and quantum physics that describes the location and wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom. This function can be used to determine the likelihood of locating any atom's electron in any given location surrounding the nucleus.

Step 2: Explanation

In bonding molecular orbitals, the electron density lies between the two nuclei of the bonding atoms. Electrons in a parent molecular orbital that interact with two nuclei are more stable than electrons in a parent molecular orbital that connect with only one nucleus. Because the bonding molecular orbital is more stable than the parent atomic orbital, bonding molecular orbitals have a lower energy.

Therefore, Because of the enhanced stability involved with the establishment of a bond, the bonding molecular orbitals have a lower energy than the atomic orbitals.