Double Bonds

Question 1

What is the electronic configuration of a carbon atom?

Answer 1

1s² 2s² 2p²

Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell, allowing it to form covalent bonds.

Question 2

How many covalent bonds does a carbon atom typically form?

Answer 2

Four

Carbon atoms share their four outer electrons to achieve a full outer shell.

Question 3

What are the two types of bonds formed when carbon atoms share electrons?

Answer 3

• Sigma bonds (σ)
• Pi bonds (π)

These bonds are formed through the overlap of orbitals.

Question 4

What happens when carbon atoms use three of their electron pairs?

Answer 4

A σ bond is formed, and a p orbital with one spare electron remains

This spare electron can participate in forming a π bond.

Question 5

Where do the orbitals that form a π bond lie in relation to the carbon atoms?

Answer 5

Above and below the plane of the two carbon atoms

This arrangement maximizes bond overlap.

Question 6

What is the bond angle in a planar arrangement of carbon atoms?

Answer 6

120°

This geometry results from the repulsion between three bonding pairs of electrons.

Question 7

In ethene, how many electrons does each carbon atom use to form σ bonds?

Answer 7

Three

Two σ bonds form with hydrogen atoms, and one σ bond forms with another carbon atom.

Question 8

What type of bond is formed between the two carbon atoms in ethene?

Answer 8

A double bond consisting of one σ bond and one π bond

The π bond is formed by the sideways overlap of p orbitals.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: In ethene, the fourth electron from each carbon atom occupies a _______ orbital.

Answer 9

p

This p orbital overlaps to form the π bond.