Sketch the bonding molecular orbital that results from the linear combination of two 1s orbitals. Indicate the region where interference occurs and state the kind of interference (constructive or destructive).

Key Concepts

Molecular Orbital Theory

Molecular Orbital Theory describes how atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals, which can be occupied by electrons in a molecule. When two atomic orbitals, such as 1s orbitals from two hydrogen atoms, combine, they can form two types of molecular orbitals: bonding and antibonding. The bonding molecular orbital is lower in energy and stabilizes the molecule, while the antibonding orbital is higher in energy and can destabilize it.

Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO)

The Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO) is a method used to construct molecular orbitals by combining the wave functions of atomic orbitals. In the case of two 1s orbitals, the LCAO results in a bonding molecular orbital formed by the addition of the two wave functions, leading to a region of increased electron density between the nuclei. This combination can also produce an antibonding orbital through subtraction of the wave functions.

Interference of Waves

Interference of waves occurs when two or more wave functions overlap, leading to regions of constructive or destructive interference. Constructive interference happens when wave peaks align, resulting in increased amplitude, while destructive interference occurs when a peak aligns with a trough, leading to reduced amplitude. In the context of molecular orbitals, constructive interference in the bonding orbital enhances electron density between the nuclei, while destructive interference in the antibonding orbital reduces it.