Concept
Version 12
Created by Boundless
Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO)
Molecular orbital diagram for hydrogen
For a diatomic molecule, an MO diagram effectively shows the energetics of the bond between the two atoms, whose AO unbonded energies are shown on the sides. The unbonded energy levels are higher than those of the bound molecule, which is the energetically-favored configuration.
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