NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
What is the difference between Sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds in terms of the orientation of their atomic orbitals?
Options
- ASigma bonds have parallel atomic orbitals, while pi bonds have perpendicular atomic orbitals.
- BSigma bonds have perpendicular atomic orbitals, while pi bonds have parallel atomic orbitals.
- CSigma and pi bonds have the same orientation of atomic orbitals.
- DSigma bonds have spherically symmetrical atomic orbitals, while pi bonds have saucer-type charged clouds.
Correct answer
A. Sigma bonds have parallel atomic orbitals, while pi bonds have perpendicular atomic orbitals.
Step-by-step solution
The Sigma (σ) bonds are formed by head-on overlap with parallel atomic orbitals, while pi (π) bonds have atomic orbitals that overlap sidewise with their axes perpendicular to each other.