Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1080 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Valence Bond Theory's Core Claim
Captions available
The idea
Valence bond theory explains a covalent bond as the overlap of two atomic orbitals, each contributing one electron, into one shared region.
In practice
Two hydrogen 1s orbitals overlap end to end, concentrating the bonding electron pair between the nuclei.
Where people slip
Valence bond theory ties each electron's orbital to overlap between two specific atoms; Chem 1125 introduces a rival model.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Chemistry