Chapter 5: Problem 8

How is the strength of the covalent bond related to overlapping of the orbitals?

Short Answer

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Answer: The strength of a covalent bond is directly proportional to the extent of orbital overlap. A larger overlap signifies a higher degree of electron sharing and a stronger electrostatic attraction between the atomic nuclei and the shared electrons, resulting in stronger covalent bonds.

Step by step solution

Understanding covalent bonding

Covalent bonding occurs when two atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration in their outer energy levels. In order to share electrons, the atomic orbitals of the atoms involved must overlap, allowing the shared electrons to move in a region that is influenced by the nuclei of both bonded atoms.

Understanding orbital overlap

Orbital overlap is a key concept in covalent bonding. Atomic orbitals of the bonded atoms must overlap to allow electrons to be shared, as they will now be found in the space of overlap. The greater the extent of orbital overlap, the more effective the bond is in holding the two atoms together. This is because the electron density is concentrated in the region between the nuclei, which leads to a stronger electrostatic attraction between the nuclei and the shared electrons.

Bond strength and orbital overlap

The strength of a covalent bond is directly proportional to the extent of orbital overlap. A larger overlap signifies a higher degree of electron sharing and a stronger electrostatic attraction between the atomic nuclei and the shared electrons. Consequently, bonds with greater orbital overlap have higher bond strength, resulting in stronger covalent bonds. In summary, the strength of a covalent bond is directly related to the overlapping of the atomic orbitals involved in the bonding process. The greater the extent of orbital overlap, the stronger the covalent bond.

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How is the strength of the covalent bond related to overlapping of the orbitals?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding covalent bonding

Understanding orbital overlap

Bond strength and orbital overlap

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