Number of Nodal Planes in Bonding Molecular Orbital 1s

The bonding molecular orbital 1s is formed by the combination of two atomic orbitals, each of which is a 1s orbital. In order to determine the number of nodal planes in this molecular orbital, we need to understand the nature of the atomic orbitals involved and how they combine.

Atomic Orbitals Involved

The atomic orbitals involved in the formation of the bonding molecular orbital 1s are the 1s orbitals of two different atoms. These atomic orbitals are spherically symmetric, meaning they do not have any nodal planes.

Combination of Atomic Orbitals

When the two 1s atomic orbitals combine, they form two molecular orbitals - one bonding molecular orbital and one antibonding molecular orbital. The bonding molecular orbital is lower in energy and has a stabilizing effect on the molecule, while the antibonding molecular orbital is higher in energy and has a destabilizing effect.

Nature of Bonding Molecular Orbital 1s

The bonding molecular orbital 1s is formed by the constructive interference of the two 1s atomic orbitals. It has a spherical shape, similar to the atomic orbitals involved, and does not have any nodal planes.

Explanation of Nodal Planes

Nodal planes, also known as nodal surfaces, are imaginary planes where the wavefunction of a molecular orbital changes sign. They represent regions of zero electron density. In other words, if an electron were to occupy a nodal plane, its wavefunction would be equal to zero at that point.

Conclusion

In the bonding molecular orbital 1s, there are no nodal planes. This means that the electron density is spread uniformly throughout the molecular orbital and there are no regions of zero electron density. The absence of nodal planes in the bonding molecular orbital 1s contributes to its stability and the overall bonding in the molecule.