Differentiate an atomic orbital from a molecular orbital?
Answers
The Atomic orbital is a region having the highest probability of finding an electron. Quantum mechanics explain the probability of the location of an electron of an atom. It does not explain the exact energy of an electron at a given prompt of time.It is explained in Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. The electron density of an atom can be found from the solutions of the Schrodinger equation. An atomic orbital can have a maximum of two electrons. Atomic orbitals are labeled as s, p, d, and f sublevels. These orbitals have different shapes. The s orbital is spherical and hold a
Answer:
Definition
Atomic Orbital: Atomic orbital is the region having the highest probability of finding an electron in an atom.
Molecular Orbital: Molecular orbital is the region having the highest probability of finding an electron of a molecule.
Formation
Atomic Orbital: Atomic orbitals are formed by the electron cloud around the atom.
Molecular Orbital: Molecular orbitals are formed by the fusion of atomic orbitals that have nearly the same energy.
Shape
Atomic Orbital: The shape of atomic orbitals is determined by the type of the atomic orbital (s,p,d or f).
Molecular Orbital: The shape of the molecular orbital is determined the shapes of atomic orbitals that make the molecule.
Describing the Electron Density
Atomic Orbital: Schrodinger equation is used.
Molecular Orbital: Linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) is used.
Nucleus
Atomic Orbital: Atomic orbital is monocentric as it is found around a single nucleus.
Molecular Orbital: Molecular orbital is polycentric as it is found around different nuclei.
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