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Explain pi and sigma bond to grade 6 child
Accepted Answer
A sigma bond is a single bond formed by the head-to-head overlap of two atomic orbitals, while a pi bond is a double bond formed by the lateral overlap of two atomic orbitals. In other words, a sigma bond is formed when two electrons are shared directly between two atoms, while a pi bond is formed when two electrons are shared sideways between two atoms. Sigma bonds are stronger than pi bonds because the electrons are more directly shared. Pi bonds can only form between atoms that have unpaired electrons in p orbitals.
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