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11 grade chemistry others

Which of the following is a positive overlap which leads to bonding?

Profile image of Aniket Singh
1 Year agoGrade
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
1 Year ago

In chemistry, when atomic orbitals overlap in a way that allows the sharing of electrons between atoms, it results in the formation of a covalent bond. A positive overlap is not a term commonly used in this context. Typically, the overlap of orbitals is described as either positive or negative, but it's essential to note that these terms refer to the sign of the wave function and not the overall outcome of the bond.

The key concept is that constructive interference, where the wave functions add up in-phase, leads to a stable bonding interaction. In a covalent bond, this positive overlap occurs when two atomic orbitals with the same or similar energy levels overlap in a way that allows for the sharing of electrons, leading to the formation of a molecular orbital that is lower in energy than the original atomic orbitals.

So, to clarify, the term "positive overlap" is not commonly used, but when discussing the overlap of atomic orbitals leading to bonding, you would be referring to constructive interference or in-phase overlap.