Answer
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Work Step by Step
In the hydrogen fluoride (HF) molecule, the hydrogen 1s atomic orbital and the fluorine 2p atomic orbital overlap to form bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals.
The bonding molecular orbital is formed by the constructive interference of the hydrogen 1s and fluorine 2p atomic orbitals. This results in a higher electron density between the nuclei, creating a strong covalent bond.
The antibonding molecular orbital is formed by the destructive interference of the hydrogen 1s and fluorine 2p atomic orbitals. This results in a lower electron density between the nuclei, weakening the bond.
These molecular orbitals are σ molecular orbitals, not π molecular orbitals, because the overlap of the hydrogen 1s and fluorine 2p atomic orbitals occurs along the internuclear axis, forming a σ bond.
