Molecular Orbital Theory allows us to predict the distribution of electrons within a molecule.
Concept #1: Recalling Electron Orbital Diagrams
Electron orbital diagrams show electrons as residing within atomic orbitals.
Example #1: Provide the electron orbital diagram for a nitrogen atom (Z = 7).
Example #2: Fill in the electron orbital diagrams for two oxygen atoms that are combining their electrons.
Example #3: Fill in the molecular orbital diagram for when two carbon atoms combine their valence electrons.
Molecular Orbital Diagrams represent chemical bonding as combination of valence electrons from atomic orbitals of elements into molecular orbitals.
Concept #2: Bonding vs Anti-Bonding Molecular Orbitals
Bonding Molecular Orbital is region of high electron density between elements, promotes bond formation.
Anti-bonding Molecular Orbital is region with low electron density and prevents bond formation.
Example #4: Construct the Molecular Orbital Diagram for the dihelium cation, He2+.
