Understanding Molecular Orbital Formation
When two atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals, the process is governed by principles of quantum mechanics and symmetry. In a homo diatomic neutral molecule, the combination of 'N' atomic orbitals leads to the formation of bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals.

Bonding Molecular Orbitals
- **Formation**: When orbitals combine constructively, they form bonding molecular orbitals (MOs) that stabilize the molecule.
- **Count**: Each pair of atomic orbitals contributes to one bonding molecular orbital.

Antibonding Molecular Orbitals
- **Formation**: When orbitals combine destructively, they form antibonding molecular orbitals that destabilize the molecule.
- **Count**: Each pair of atomic orbitals also contributes to one antibonding molecular orbital.

Total Number of Molecular Orbitals
- **Contribution**: For 'N' atomic orbitals, the total number of molecular orbitals formed is equal to 'N'. This includes both bonding and antibonding orbitals.
- **Pairs**: The bonding molecular orbitals are half of the total count, while the remaining half consists of antibonding molecular orbitals.

Conclusion
- **Final Count**: Therefore, in the formation of a homo diatomic neutral molecule from 'N' atomic orbitals, the total number of bonding molecular orbitals is given by:
- **Bonding MOs = N/2** (if N is even)
- **Bonding MOs = (N-1)/2** (if N is odd)
This balance between bonding and antibonding orbitals is crucial for understanding the stability and properties of the resulting molecule.

The no. of bonding atomic orbitals formed is also "N".