Orbitals Flashcards
Outline valence bond theory
If two atoms have orbitals which contain unpaired electrons, then the orbitals will overlap with each other, forming a covalent bond.
How do orbitals tend to overlap?
Orbitals tend to overlap end-on.
How do orbitals overlap in single bonds?
Orbitals overlap end-on.
They are called sigma bonds.
How do orbitals overlap in double & triple bonds?
Orbitals overlap side-on.
They are called pi bonds.
What does a triple bond consist of?
1 sigma bond and 2 pi bonds.
Why is there restricted rotation around a double bond?
In a pi bond, if one of the atoms rotates around the bond axis, the amount of overlap would change.
Why does carbon make 4 covalent bonds?
Carbon promotes an electron from its 2s orbital to its 2p orbital, meaning it has 4 unpaired electrons that can form bonds.
