Molecular Orbital Theory: Bonds are formed from interactions of atomic orbitals to form new molecular orbitals that describe the electronic structure of a molecule.

Question

Molecular Orbital Theory: Bonds are formed from interactions of atomic orbitals to form new molecular orbitals that describe the electronic structure of a molecule.

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

A quick look at what the statement is claiming will help unpack the concepts involved.
Option 1: True. The core idea of Molecular Orbital (MO) theory is that atomic orbitals combine (constructively or destructively) to form molecular orbitals, which describe the electronic structure of the entire molecule. This is the essence of MO theory: electrons occupy MOs that arise from the linear combination of atomic orbitals, and these include bonding and antibonding combinations that account for bond formation and molecular properties.
Option 2: False. This would be incorrect because it misstates the MO framework. In MO theory, bonds are not formed from isolated atomic orbitals alone; rather, they arise from the overlap and mixing of atomic orbitals to produce molecular orbitals. Downplaying or denying that orbital interactions create new MOs ignores the fundamental mechanism of MO bonding and antibonding interactions that determine bond order, bond strength, and electronic distribution.
Additional nuance: even though some MOs are antibonding or nonbonding, the formation of the molecule’s electronic structure is still governed by the combination of atomic orbitals into molecular orbitals. Therefore, the claim that bonds are formed from interactions of atomic orbitals to form new molecular orbitals that describe the electronic structure is consistent with MO theory.
In sum, the true statement recognizes the essential process of orbital interaction producing molecular orbitals that map the molecule’s electrons and bonding characteristics, while the false option would misrepresent the central mechanism or scope of MO theory.

1A W25 VidQuiz: MO Theory: Intro, Theory and Diatomics H2 and He2

Molecular Orbital Theory: Bonds are formed from interactions of atomic orbitals to form new molecular orbitals that describe the electronic structure of a molecule.

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