Question

According to the valence bond theory, which atomic orbitals overlap in the formation of the bond in HCl?

a) s-s
b) s-p
c) p-p
d) p-d

Answer 1

The bond in HCl is formed by the overlap of an s orbital from hydrogen and a p orbital from chlorine, which creates a sigma bond with electron density along the internuclear axis.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to valence bond theory, the atomic orbitals that overlap in the formation of the bond in HCl are an s orbital from the hydrogen atom and a p orbital from the chlorine atom, specifically corresponding to the 3p orbital of chlorine. This type of overlapping results in the formation of a sigma bond, where the electron density is concentrated along the internuclear axis. This bond is illustrated as the overlap of an s orbital and a p orbital in various diagrams.