This applet depicts the overlap between s orbitals on two atoms. Click on the "L+" to increase the bond length of the diatomic molecule, and "L-" to decrease the length.
Click on "n1+" to increase the quantum number of the orbital on atom #1 (the right one), "n1-" to decrease. n2 refers to the left atom. The available values of n are 1, 2, or 3, for the 1s, 2s, or 3s orbitals, respectively
Click on σ to toggle the display of the bonding molecular orbital (displayed in green), and σ* to toggle the display of the anti-bonding orbital (displayed in orange).
The orbitals are normalized, so all the orbitals may not display as clearly as one might like.
© 2004-2009 by Lawrence T. Sein. All rights reserved.
Send questions to: lseinjr@hotmail.com