3D lab · Chemical bonding

Molecular Orbitals in 3D (σ, σ, π, π)

Watch atomic orbitals combine into bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals in 3D, then get bond order and magnetism of H₂ to Ne₂.

Last updated: 26 October 2026

Direct answer

Watch atomic orbitals combine into bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals in 3D, then get bond order and magnetism of H₂ to Ne₂.

Two atomic orbitals add (bonding) or subtract (antibonding). Antibonding orbitals have a node between the nuclei; π orbitals have a nodal plane containing the bond axis.

Simulation

Try it

Molecular Orbitals in 3D (σ, σ, π, π)

Chemical bonding

Molecular orbital σ1s

Nuclear separation (bohr) 2

Molecule (bond order) O₂

Drag to rotate, two fingers or right-drag to pan, scroll or pinch to zoom. The toolbar has views, cutaway, measure and “show the maths”.

What's happening? Two atomic orbitals add (bonding) or subtract (antibonding). Antibonding orbitals have a node between the nuclei; π orbitals have a nodal plane containing the bond axis.

Learn more

Study this lab with

Study

Where it is in NCERT: Class 11 Chemistry Part I, “Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure” (VSEPR Theory, Hybridisation, Molecular Orbital Theory, Hydrogen Bonding) · ncert.nic.in
Topic notes and formulas: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Printable formula sheet
Chapter-wise JEE Main PYQs (10)

Watch and try

The matching part of a free lecture: Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (07:08:42) — JEE Wallah
See it in 3D: VSEPR Molecular Shapes in 3D · Hybridisation in 3D (sp, sp², sp³, sp³d, sp³d²)
Other trusted simulations: Molecule Shapes (PhET, University of Colorado) · Molecule Polarity (PhET, University of Colorado) · Molecular Orbital Viewer (Paul Falstad) · ChemTube3D: molecular orbitals (University of Liverpool)

Terms used on this page

Bond order

Full lab glossary →

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Why is O₂ paramagnetic?

MO theory puts two unpaired electrons in the degenerate π*2p orbitals.

What is the bond order of N₂?

Three: (10 − 4)/2 = 3 using the valence electrons.

Molecular Orbitals in 3D (σ, σ*, π, π*)

Watch atomic orbitals combine into bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals in 3D, then get bond order and magnetism of H₂ to Ne₂.

Try it

Molecular Orbitals in 3D (σ, σ*, π, π*)

Study this lab with

Study

Watch and try

Terms used on this page

Related simulations

Frequently asked questions

Your next step

Molecular Orbitals in 3D (σ, σ, π, π)

Molecular Orbitals in 3D (σ, σ, π, π)