ORBITAL OVERLAP Meaning and
Definition
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Orbital overlap, in the field of chemistry, refers to the sharing of electron density between two or more orbitals of adjacent atoms in a molecule. It is a fundamental concept in understanding chemical bonding and the formation of covalent bonds.
In a covalent bond, orbitals of two atoms come close enough that their electron clouds start to interact, allowing the electrons to be shared. The degree of overlap between these orbitals determines the strength and stability of the resulting bond. Orbital overlap can be classified into two major types: sigma (σ) and pi (π) overlaps.
Sigma overlap occurs when two s orbitals or an s orbital and a p orbital align along the axis connecting the nuclei of the bonding atoms. This type of overlap is related to the formation of single covalent bonds.
Pi overlap arises when two p orbitals align parallel to each other and overlap on either side of the bonding axis. This type of overlap is associated with the formation of double or triple covalent bonds.
Orbital overlap determines the efficiency of electron sharing and influences key molecular properties such as bond length, bond strength, and molecular shape. It also affects the reactivity and chemical behavior of molecules, as the extent of orbital overlap can influence the stability of reaction intermediates and transition states.
Overall, understanding orbital overlap provides valuable insights into the nature of chemical bonding and aids in explaining the properties and behaviors of molecules.
Etymology of ORBITAL OVERLAP
The etymology of the word "orbital overlap" can be broken down as follows:
1. Orbital: The term "orbital" originates from the Latin word "orbis", which means "disk" or "circle". In the context of chemistry and physics, an orbital refers to a region of space around the nucleus of an atom where an electron is likely to be found.
2. Overlap: The word "overlap" comes from the Old English word "oferlappian", which means "to partially cover or extend over". It combines the prefix "over" (indicating "beyond" or "above") with the verb "lap" (meaning "to fold" or "to lay over").
Therefore, the term "orbital overlap" describes the concept in chemistry where two atomic orbitals come into close proximity, resulting in the sharing of electrons and the formation of a chemical bond.
