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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: mana on July 20, 2021, 02:20:07 AM

Title: relationship between electron spin orientations and atomic orbitals overlap
Post by: mana on July 20, 2021, 02:20:07 AM
hi all
when we talk about atomic orbital overlap, we assume them as wave function and divide this overlap as
 1-constructive (in-phase)
 2- destructive (out of phase)
my question is, how I can determine which atom orbitals will overlap constructively or destructively?
does the orientation of spin affect overlap qualification? for one thing can I say the two atomic orbitals with the same electron spin orientations will overlap destructively and reverse?
thanks in advance for your help
Title: Re: relationship between electron spin orientations and atomic orbitals overlap
Post by: Orcio_87 on July 20, 2021, 03:15:27 AM
Quote
does the orientation of spin affect overlap qualification? for one thing can I say the two atomic orbitals with the same electron spin orientations will overlap destructively and reverse?
No. The overlap is constructive when signs of the wave-function are the same or destructive when signs of the wave are opposite.
Title: Re: relationship between electron spin orientations and atomic orbitals overlap
Post by: Orcio_87 on July 20, 2021, 07:59:54 AM
I meant - signs of the wave-functionS.
Title: Re: relationship between electron spin orientations and atomic orbitals overlap
Post by: mana on July 21, 2021, 01:25:37 AM
thanks for your answer.  :)
if two atomic orbitals with the same electron spin, overlap constructively with each other, what would happen? I mean one of the electrons has to change its spin? because as you know in a molecular orbital the electron spins must be opposite, or something else would happen?
Title: Re: relationship between electron spin orientations and atomic orbitals overlap
Post by: Orcio_87 on July 21, 2021, 03:53:09 AM
One of the electron will change its spin.