A molecular orbital is a region of space in a covalent species where electrons are likely to be found. The combination of two atomic orbitals always forms two molecular orbitals; the bonding molecular orbital, which is in energy, and the antibonding molecular orbital, which is in energy, than the original atomic orbitals.

bonding molecular orbital is lower in energy

antibonding molecular orbital is higher in energy

Explanation:

Electrons in bonding molecular orbitals help to hold the positively charged nuclei together, and they are always lower in energy than the original atomic orbitals.

Electrons in antibonding molecular orbitals are primarily located outside the internuclear region, leading to increased repulsions between the positively charged nuclei. They are always higher in energy than the parent atomic orbitals.