Answer to Question #18906 in Inorganic Chemistry for saleem

Question

why sigma bond is stroger

Answer 1

Because sigma bonds contain hybridized atomic orbitals and pi bonds do not, the sigma bond is stronger in the sense that it has more area to allow for the constructive interference of another sigma bond. Also, sigma bonds are stronger because they possess less energy than pi bonds. This can be depicted on a typical energy level diagram for the molecular orbitals. The hybridized atomic orbitals will be at a lower energy level than the remaining p-orbital, which is perpendicular to the molecule's plane.