Atomic orbitals described

The electrons in an atom surround the nucleus, but are constrained within given spatial limits, defined by atomic orbitals. Atomic orbitals describe the probability of finding an electron within a given space. We are unable to pin-point the electron at any particular time, but we have an indication that it will be within certain spatial limits. A farmer knows his cow is in a field, but, at any one time, he does not know precisely where it will be located. Even this is not a good analogy, because electrons do not behave as nice, solid particles. Their behaviour is in some respects like that of waves, and this can best be analysed through mathematics. 

The theory suggests that the behavior of each electron in an atom can be described by a wave function (i//), which is a function of the space coordinates of the electron and thus has spatial characteristics. These one electron wave functions are called atomic orbitals (AOs). Atomic orbitals describe electron densities in the atom at various distances and directions from the nucleus. By choosing a low constant absolute value for the wave function, a contour surface can be constructed. The probability of finding an electron ([Pg.5]

Molecular orbital (MO) theory describes covalent bond formation as arising from a mathematical combination of atomic orbitals (wave functions) to form molecular orbitals, so called because they belong to the entire molecule rather than to an individual atom. Just as an atomic orbital describes a region of space around an atom where an electron is likely to be found, so a molecular orbital describes a region of space in a molecule where electrons are most likely to be found. 

Orbital - A one-electron wavefunction. Atomic orbitals are classified as S-, p-, d-, or/-orbitals according to whether the angular momentum quantum number / = 0,1,2, or 3. Molecular orbitals, which are usually constructed as linear combinations of atomic orbitals, describe the distribution of electrons over the entire molecule. 

Using LCAOMOs containing no more than two atomic orbitals, describe the bonding in the CO2 molecule. How do the two pi bonding LCAOMOs differ from each other in their orientation ... 

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