Question

Differences between atomic orbitals and molculer orbitals

Answer 1

Answer:

Atomic Orbitals are regions around atomic nuclei where electrons are most likely to be found. They can be of different shapes which consist of multiple energy levels. Electrons of higher energy are in orbitals farther from the nucleus. Molecular orbitals are regions around molecules where electrons are most likely to be found. In addition to consisting of different shapes and energy levels, there are also bonding orbitals which make molecules more stable and anti-bonding orbitals which can make them less stable. While atomic orbitals occur around a single nucleus, molecular orbitals occur around a cluster of nuclei within a molecule. Also, atomic orbitals have no effect on the stability of an atom whereas molecular orbitals can make a molecule stable or unstable depending on how many electrons are in the bonding or anti-bonding orbitals.

Explanation: