Difference between atomic orbital and molecular orbital

Physics and Chemistry
2023-04-25T20:16:05+00:00

Difference between atomic orbital and molecular orbital

What are orbitals?

Orbitals are a key concept in chemistry and quantum physics. They refer to the region around the nucleus of an atom or molecule where a particular electron is most likely to be found. An orbital can contain a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.

atomic orbital

An atomic orbital is the three-dimensional space in which an electron is located in an atom. Atomic orbitals are described by a mathematical function called the wave function. The shape of the atomic orbital depends on the energy of the electron and can be visualized as a cloud of electrons around the nucleus of the atom. Atomic orbitals are numbered and identified by quantum numbers.

molecular orbital

A molecular orbital is the result of the combination of two or more atomic orbitals. Unlike atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals are not associated with a single atom, but rather span the entire space occupied by the molecule. Like atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals are described by a wave function. However, molecular orbitals are more difficult to visualize than atomic orbitals.

Differences between atomic and molecular orbitals

  1. Atomic orbitals belong to a single atom, while molecular orbitals encompass the entire molecule.
  2. Atomic orbitals are completely defined by quantum numbers, while molecular orbitals are more difficult to describe mathematically.
  3. Lighter atomic orbitals are smaller than heavier atomic orbitals, while molecular orbitals can be larger or smaller than atomic orbitals.
  4. Atomic orbitals have fixed shapes, while molecular orbitals change shape to fit the geometry of the molecule.

Conclusion

In conclusion, atomic orbitals and molecular orbitals are different in terms of their origin, shape and function. Atomic orbitals are associated with a single atom, while molecular orbitals encompass the entire molecule. Both types of orbitals are described by wave functions, but molecular orbitals are more difficult to visualize than atomic orbitals. Understanding these differences is important for understanding the structure and properties of atoms and molecules.

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