What are sigma and pi bonds?

1 Answer
reudhreghs
Apr 20, 2016

Sigma bonds are head-on, strong covalent bonds, while pi bonds are side-on connections and much weaker.

Explanation:

#sigma# (sigma) and #pi# (pi) bonds are types of covalent bond, where orbitals overlap or share electrons between non-metal atoms.

In a #sigma#-bond, the two orbitals have a head-on overlap, sharing electrons directly in one large, merged orbital.

#pi#-bonds are side-on connections, since they can't occupy the same head-on space as the #sigma#-bond. Because they are more indirect, #pi#-bonds are the weaker form of covalent bond.

https://socratic.org/questions/why-are-pi-bonds-weaker-than-sigma-bonds

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