Question

How is a pair of molecular orbitals formed?

Answer 1

When two atoms combine, the overlap of their atomic orbitals produces molecular orbitals. 

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

Molecular orbitals are mathematical functions that define the wave behavior of electrons within molecules, always from the point of view of quantum chemistry. Mathematical functions are used to find physicochemical properties, such as the probability of finding the electron in a given space.

So, according to the theory of molecular orbitals, the covalent bonds of the molecules are formed by overlapping atomic orbitals, so that the new molecular orbitals belong to the entire molecule and not to a single atom. During the formation of a bond, the atomic orbitals approach and begin to overlap, releasing energy as the electron of each atom is attracted by the positive charge of the nucleus of the other atom. The greater the overlap, the greater the release of energy and, therefore, the lower the energy of the molecular orbital. If the process of approximation of atoms continues, the atomic nuclei can repel each other, which causes the energy of the system to increase.