Assuming the z-axis is the internuclear axis, which of the following combinations of atomic orbitals — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The $s$ -orbital is completely symmetrical. When approaching a $p_x$ -orbital along the z-axis, the $s$ -orbital overlaps equally with the positive phase (lobe) and the negative phase (lobe) of the $p_x$ -orbital. These positive and negative overlaps perfectly cancel each other out, resulting in a net zero overlap.