In molecular orbital theory, a molecular orbital that is lower in energy than the atomic orbitals used to create it is called a(n) bonding orbital nonbonding orbital degenerate o antibonding orbital o phase

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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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### Molecular Orbital Theory

#### Question:
In molecular orbital theory, a molecular orbital that is lower in energy than the atomic orbitals used to create it is called a(n):

1. ○ bonding orbital
2. ○ nonbonding orbital
3. ○ phase
4. ○ degenerate
5. ○ antibonding orbital

#### Explanation:
In molecular orbital theory, orbitals are regions around a nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is high. These orbitals combine in various ways to form molecular orbitals when atoms bond. The correct answer to the question is "bonding orbital". A bonding orbital is a molecular orbital that has lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which it is formed. 

### Additional Notes:

- **Bonding Orbital:** 
   - These orbitals increase the electron density between the nuclei of the bonding atoms, stabilizing the molecule.
   - They are lower in energy compared to the isolated atomic orbitals because the in-phase combination of two atomic orbitals results in constructive interference, which lowers the energy.
- **Antibonding Orbital:**
   - These have higher energy and are formed when atomic orbitals combine with destructive interference, leading to a decrease in electron density between the nuclei.
- **Nonbonding Orbital:**
   - These orbitals are not involved in the bonding between atoms but can be occupied by electrons in the molecule without contributing to bond strength.
- **Phase:**
   - Refers to the sign of the wave functions of the orbitals. 
- **Degenerate:**
   - Refers to orbitals that have the same energy level.

Understanding the differences between these molecular orbital types is crucial in comprehending the bonding and properties of molecules.
Transcribed Image Text:### Molecular Orbital Theory #### Question: In molecular orbital theory, a molecular orbital that is lower in energy than the atomic orbitals used to create it is called a(n): 1. ○ bonding orbital 2. ○ nonbonding orbital 3. ○ phase 4. ○ degenerate 5. ○ antibonding orbital #### Explanation: In molecular orbital theory, orbitals are regions around a nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is high. These orbitals combine in various ways to form molecular orbitals when atoms bond. The correct answer to the question is "bonding orbital". A bonding orbital is a molecular orbital that has lower energy than the atomic orbitals from which it is formed. ### Additional Notes: - **Bonding Orbital:** - These orbitals increase the electron density between the nuclei of the bonding atoms, stabilizing the molecule. - They are lower in energy compared to the isolated atomic orbitals because the in-phase combination of two atomic orbitals results in constructive interference, which lowers the energy. - **Antibonding Orbital:** - These have higher energy and are formed when atomic orbitals combine with destructive interference, leading to a decrease in electron density between the nuclei. - **Nonbonding Orbital:** - These orbitals are not involved in the bonding between atoms but can be occupied by electrons in the molecule without contributing to bond strength. - **Phase:** - Refers to the sign of the wave functions of the orbitals. - **Degenerate:** - Refers to orbitals that have the same energy level. Understanding the differences between these molecular orbital types is crucial in comprehending the bonding and properties of molecules.
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