Density Difference Mesh Plots for Diatomic Nitrogen


Note: The blue and purple areas represent an increased electron density, while the yellow and green areas represent a decreased electron density. Remember, when one says that the electron density increased or decreased in a specific area, that is with respect to the electron density of the non-interacting atoms.


In the above image, distortions above the plane represent an increase in electron density, whereas the distortions below the plane represent a decrease in electron density.

The above image is similar to the first except that the loss of electron density is now above the plane. This shows the other side of the coin in a sense.

This final mesh plot allows one to view level with the plane. The relative magnitude between the loss of electron density and the gain of electron density is evident. The middle blue and purple section is the triple bond, and the two end peaks are the lone pairs.

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