Question

i am taking gen chem 2- we are talking about lewis theory, valance bond theory and molecular orbital theory. We are asked What is the difference between an atomic orbital and a molecular orbital? which bonding theories are each type of orbital applicable/relevant?

So I think i understand that atomic orbitals describe the probable locations of electrons in atoms and m.o. theory describes the probable locations of electrons in molecules, but im unsure if the Lewis theory or the valance bond theory is applicable in the atomic orbitals??

Answer 1

Answer: Lewis theory : is  A lewis acid is a substance that can accept a pair of electrons to form a new bond. They are sometimes referred to as electrophiles, or seekers of an additional electron pair.

which is deals with the valence shell.

and the Valence bond theory is : a covalent bond forms between the two atoms by the overlap of half-filled valence atomic orbitals for each atom containing one unpaired electron.

Means the Lewis concept describ the how to make a covalent bond and the whole VBT is depent upon the covalent bond .

I hOpe you will understand it .