What is the difference between atomic orbital and molecular orbital?

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Solution

Atomic orbital
Molecular orbital
It describes the wave-like behavior of single-electron species and electron pair species as well. It describes the wave-like behavior of single-electron species only.
It is comprised of that region where the probability of finding the electron is maximum in an atom. It is comprised of that region where the probability of finding the electron is maximum in a molecule.
They are found in following orbitals: s, p, d, f They are found in following orbitals: bonding and antibonding
As a single atom contains one nucleus and they are found near the nucleus hence they are monocentric in nature. As they are found in molecules that contain two or more nucleus and they are found near the nucleus hence they are polycentric in nature.
Orbitals such as s, p, d, f determines its shape. The presence of atomic orbitals determines its shape.
The electronic configuration has no effect on the stability of electron. The electronic configuration effect the stability of electron.

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Atomic orbital	Molecular orbital
It describes the wave-like behavior of single-electron species and electron pair species as well.	It describes the wave-like behavior of single-electron species only.
It is comprised of that region where the probability of finding the electron is maximum in an atom.	It is comprised of that region where the probability of finding the electron is maximum in a molecule.
They are found in following orbitals: s, p, d, f	They are found in following orbitals: bonding and antibonding
As a single atom contains one nucleus and they are found near the nucleus hence they are monocentric in nature.	As they are found in molecules that contain two or more nucleus and they are found near the nucleus hence they are polycentric in nature.
Orbitals such as s, p, d, f determines its shape.	The presence of atomic orbitals determines its shape.
The electronic configuration has no effect on the stability of electron.	The electronic configuration effect the stability of electron.