Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: jonjon1324 on March 26, 2010, 07:38:43 PM
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Okay, I'm reading my book and trying to understand molecular orbitals, but I really don't get this..It's trying to use an analogy between light waves (and when they undergo interference) and atomic wave functions...and...then starts talking about bonding and antibonding MO? I don't understand what bonding and antibonding MOs are, and I don't get how they relate to the light waves example, and I barely even understand wave interference, so could somebody clear these things up for me?
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I'll try to put it in very simple terms.
We all know that
1 apple + 1 apple = 2 apples
2 oranges + 2 oranges = 4 oranges
This is possible since these fruits are particles.
But if you consider a wave, for example light, it need not be true that
bright + bright = brighter
Sometimes, light + light = darkness!
This is explained by interference. This behaviour is characteristic of waves. If you write down the wave equations and do some math, you can see for yourself why it is so. This is explained by Young's Double Slit Experiment. I urge you to read more about this and tell us if you've understood interference.