Question
Why is a sigma bond stronger than pi bond ?
Solution
The strength of a bond depends on upon the extent of overlapping.
A sigma bond stronger than a pi bond. The reason behind this is the orientation of the overlapped orbitals. Sigma bonds result from head-on(co-axial) overlapping while pi bonds are the outcome of lateral(para-axial) overlapping. Here is a pictorial representation of ethene(sp2 hybridised C atoms).
The greater the extent of overlapping, the higher the probability of finding the valence electrons in between the nuclei and hence the bond will be stronger.
A sigma bond stronger than a pi bond. The reason behind this is the orientation of the overlapped orbitals. Sigma bonds result from head-on(co-axial) overlapping while pi bonds are the outcome of lateral(para-axial) overlapping. Here is a pictorial representation of ethene(sp2 hybridised C atoms).
The greater the extent of overlapping, the higher the probability of finding the valence electrons in between the nuclei and hence the bond will be stronger.
