56. Molecular Orbital Theory 1: Sigma s Molecular Orbitals

This is the first video in a seven-part series on molecular orbital theory. Molecular orbital theory is a model used to explain covalent bonding (the sharing of electrons) between atoms. In this video, we discuss the formation of sigma s molecular orbitals formed from the overlap of s atomic orbitals on different nuclei. Two sigma s molecular orbitals are generated, a bonding and an antibonding molecular orbital. The bonding s molecular orbital is lower in energy than the atomic orbitals from which it is formed and the antibonding molecular orbital is higher in energy than the atomic orbitals. Both of these molecular orbitals can hold two electrons with opposite spin. 00:00 Sigma s molecular orbitals 03:44 Sigma 1s molecular orbital 08:40 Antibonding sigma 1s molecular orbital 13:49 Molecular orbital energy diagram