comparing theorys

[Bethel Tesfamicael]

how does the molecular orbital theory differ from the the valance bond theory because the overall premise seem to be the same?

[Zelo-Jade 2A]

Hello,
The molecular orbital theory and the valence bond theory are two different ways of describing the electronic structure and bonding of molecules. They both use the concept of orbitals, which are regions of space where electrons are most likely to be found, but they have different methods overall. The valence bond theory assumes that covalent bonds are formed by the overlap of atomic orbitals from different atoms, which share a pair of electrons. The valence bond theory also uses the concept of hybridization, which is the mixing of atomic orbitals on the same atom to form new orbitals that are better suited for bonding. While the molecular orbital theory assumes that covalent bonds are formed by the combination of atomic orbitals from different atoms, which create new orbitals that belong to the whole molecule. These new orbitals are called molecular orbitals, and they can be either bonding or antibonding, depending on whether they increase or decrease the stability of the molecule. The molecular orbital theory focuses more on the delocalization of electrons over the entire molecule and the energy levels of the molecular orbitals unlike the valence bond theory.