Sigma Bonding Electron density lies between the nuclei. A bond may be formed by s-s,p-p, s-p,or hybridized orbital overlaps. The bonding molecular orbital (MO)is lower in energy than the original atomic orbitals. The antibonding MO is higher in energy than the atomic orbitals. 2013 Pearson Education,Inc. Chapter 2 4 © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. Sigma Bonding • Electron density lies between the nuclei. • A bond may be formed by s—s, p—p, s—p, or hybridized orbital overlaps. • The bonding molecular orbital (MO) is lower in energy than the original atomic orbitals. • The antibonding MO is higher in energy than the atomic orbitals. Chapter 2 4