Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1128 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Bonding Orbital Versus Antibonding Orbital
Captions available
The idea
Combining two atomic orbitals in phase produces a lower-energy bonding orbital holding nuclei together; out of phase produces a higher-energy antibonding orbital that pulls them apart.
In practice
Two hydrogen 1s orbitals in phase produce a σ1s bonding orbital; out of phase, a σ1s* antibonding orbital.
Where people slip
Antibonding orbitals fill by energy, not by class — σ2s* antibonding fills before higher bonding orbitals like π2p.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Chemistry