What structure results from the overlapping of respective atomic orbitals when two atoms form a bond?

Answer

A molecular orbital

When atoms approach each other to form a chemical bond, the interaction is not about fixed paths colliding, but rather about the merging of their probability spaces. The overlapping of the fuzzy probability clouds associated with the individual atomic orbitals—the quantum mechanical descriptions of the valence electrons—creates a new, shared region of higher electron density. This newly formed spatial region is termed a molecular orbital. This merging of probability density is the mechanism that fundamentally holds molecules together, facilitating continuous sharing of electrons rather than relying on a geometric locking mechanism that would be necessary if electrons followed fixed, classical paths.

What structure results from the overlapping of respective atomic orbitals when two atoms form a bond?

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