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

a) 1s on H and 3p on Cl
b) 1s on H and 4s on Cl
c) 1s on H and 2p on Cl
d) 2s on H and 3p on Cl
e) 2s on H and 2p on Cl

User Claudio
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1 Answer

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a) 1s on H and 3p on Cl

In HCl, the H atom has only one valance electron. Each share an electron an therefore a single covalent bond is formed between the two. The bond in HCl is therefore a result of an overlap between 1s orbital and ONLY ONE of the lobes of the 3p orbital of Chlorine.
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