Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1083 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Sigma Bond
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The idea
A sigma bond forms from end-to-end orbital overlap along the axis connecting two bonded nuclei, and every single bond has exactly one.
In practice
Two chlorine 3p orbitals overlap end to end along the internuclear axis, forming Cl2's single sigma bond.
Where people slip
Sigma bonds aren't limited to s orbitals — Cl2's sigma bond is p–p overlap; end-to-end geometry, not orbital type, makes a bond sigma.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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