Molecular orbital theory - The WikiPremed MCAT Course

In Atomic Theory, we learned how atomic orbitals were solutions to the Schroedinger wave equation for electrons within an atom. However, electrons in chemical bonds are influenced by the attractive forces of more than one nuclei. In terms of quantum electrodynamics, the orbital wave functions appropriate to the situation are molecular orbitals, orbital functions that extend over more than one atom.

Molecular orbital theory approximates the electronic states that are solutions of the molecular Schroedinger equation, descriptions of the motion of an electron within the electrodynamic environment provided by the nuclei and the other electrons

The discussion above is designed to help make things more coherent, not scare you about the test. The MCAT does not expect you to have mastered advanced molecular orbital theory or have experience working with the Schroedinger wave equation. If you see orbital theory on the MCAT, most likely the questions will be easier than the passage.

The WikiPremed MCAT Course is a free comprehensive course in the undergraduate level general sciences. Undergraduate level physics, chemistry, organic chemistry and biology are presented by this course as a unified whole within a spiraling curriculum.

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