NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
What happens to the electron waves of bonding atoms during the formation of an antibonding molecular orbital?
Options
- AThey reinforce each other.
- BThey cancel each other.
- CThey become stationary.
- DThey remain unchanged.
Correct answer
B. They cancel each other.
Step-by-step solution
During the formation of an antibonding molecular orbital, the electron waves of bonding atoms cancel each other due to destructive interference.