Molecular orbitals are regions in a molecule where electrons are likely to be found. They form when atomic orbitals from different atoms combine during the bonding process. These orbitals can be classified as bonding, antibonding, or non-bonding, depending on how they interact with each other. In a bonding molecular orbital, electrons are shared between atoms, which helps hold the molecule together. Conversely, antibonding orbitals can weaken the bond when occupied by electrons. Understanding molecular orbitals is essential in fields like chemistry and materials science, as they help explain the properties and behaviors of molecules.