The hybridization of two atomic orbitals results in the formation of __________ molecular orbitals. 1 2 3 4 0

Question

The hybridization of two atomic orbitals results in the formation of __________ molecular orbitals.

	1
	2
	3
	4
	0

Answer 1

This is sort of a "trick" question. One could answer it as 1 molecular orbital, or one could answer it as 2 molecular orbitals. If you count bonding and anti bonding molecular orbitals, it would be 2. But I would go with the other option and say that the hybridization of two atomic orbitals results in the formation of 1 molecular orbital. For example, the 1s atomic orbital of hydrogen combines with another 1s atomic orbital of hydrogen to form a σ1s bonding molecular orbital. (It can also form a σ*1s antibonding molecular orbital).