Sigma and Pi Bonding Flashcards
What is formed when two atomic orbitals overlap?
A molecular orbital
How is a molecular orbital formed?
When two atomic orbitals overlap
Define a sigma bond.
A sigma bond is formed by the head-on overlap of two orbitals
Define a pi bond
A pi bond is formed by the sideways overlap of p orbitals
What bond is formed by the head-on overlap of two orbitals?
A sigma bond
What bond is formed by the sideways overlap of p orbitals?
A pi bond
What types of bonds are present in all triple bonds?
One sigma bond and two pi bonds
What types of bonds are present in all double bonds?
A sigma bond and a pi bond
Which are stronger, sigma bonds or pi bonds?
Sigma bonds are stronger
Why are sigma bonds stronger than pi bonds?
As there is more overlapping of orbitals in sigma bonds
