Kinetic Energy and the Covalent Bond in H2+

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 2 Issue 6 (1997), S1430-4171(97)06153-2

Kinetic Energy and the Covalent Bond in H₂⁺

Frank Rioux

Department of Chemistry, St. John’s University, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN 56374

Published online: 24 December 1997

Abstract. A modified version of Ruedenberg’s innovative analysis of the chemical bond in the hydrogen molecule ion is presented that factors the bond energy into bonding and nonbonding contributions. This simplified approach clearly illustrates Ruedenberg’s main thesis: chemical bond formation is driven by a decrease in electron kinetic energy.

Key Words: In the Classroom; kinetic energy; chemical bonding; hydrogen molecule

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: frioux@csbsju.edu)

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