When two hydrogen atoms interact so that their valence orbitals form a bonding molecular orbital and an antibonding molecular orbital, the placement of the electrons into these molecular orbitals lowers the potential energy of the system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When two hydrogen atoms form a bond, the electrons occupy the lower-energy bonding molecular orbital, which results in a net decrease in potential energy, making the system more stable.

When Two Hydrogen Atoms Interact So That Their Valence Orbitals