A bonding molecular orbital is of lower energy (more stable) than the atomic orbitals from which it was formed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals, the resulting bonding molecular orbitals have electrons with lower energy and are more stable than the original atomic orbitals. This is since the electrons are now shared between two or more atoms, resulting in a lower energy state overall.

A Bonding Molecular Orbital Is of Lower Energy (More Stable)