What is formed when atoms interact according to the molecular orbital model?

The molecular orbital model describes how atomic orbitals combine when atoms come together to form molecules. In this model, atomic orbitals from different atoms overlap to create new orbitals known as molecular orbitals. These molecular orbitals can be either bonding or antibonding, depending on whether the phases of the atomic orbitals align constructively or destructively.

When two atoms interact, their atomic orbitals mix and form hybrid molecular orbitals that are spread over the entire molecule, allowing for more delocalized electron sharing. This hybridization explains the bonding in many molecular structures, such as in diatomic molecules or in larger complex molecules where bonds and electron sharing are more accurately described by this model. This fundamental concept encompasses the essence of molecular interactions under the molecular orbital theory, showcasing how various molecular geometries and properties arise from atomic interactions.

Other choices do not encompass the interaction of atoms in terms of molecular orbitals: single covalent bonds focus on the idea of localized electron sharing without the full delocalization described in the molecular orbital model; ionic bonds involve electron transfer rather than sharing; and elemental varieties simply refer to the different kinds of elements rather than their molecular interactions.