The molecular orbital theory dictates that when two atomic orbitals form molecular orbitals, then two molecular orbitals must form (i.e number of atomic orbitals = number of molecular orbitals). For this to occur there must be bonding molecular orbitals and anti-bonding molecular orbitals. The bonding MO's are caused when the orbitals constructively interfere and the anti-bonding orbitals form as the orbitals destructively interfere. I understand the concept of interference but I do not understand how two atomic orbitals (one from each bonding atom) can simultaneously interfere constructively and destructively. Moreover, I am under the impression that the anti-bonding orbitals exist even if they're not occupied. As a result, is it correct to think that it's the orbitals themselves that are the waves, not the electrons?
In summary:
- How can two orbitals interfere constructively and destructively?
- Do anti-bonding orbitals exist when not occupied?
- Is it the orbitals themselves that are interfering with each other like waves?
No comments:
Post a Comment