Question
Give at least two differences between atomic and molecular orbitals.
Solution
| Atomic orbitals | Molecular orbitals |
| 1. The electron cloud extends around the nucleus of a single atom. | 1. The electron cloud extends around all the nuclei of bonded atoms in the molecules. It is obtained by combining atomic orbitals of comparable energy. |
| 2. They are less stable. | 2. They are more stable. |
| 3. They have a simple shape. | 3. They have a complex shape. They are represented by  . |
| 4. They are represented by s,p,d,f etc. | 4. They may be bonding or antibonding. |
