Chapter 20, Problem 2TC

Rank the following covalent bonds in order of increasing bond strength:

(a) $\text{C}\equiv \text{C}$ (b) $\text{C}=\text{C}$ (c) $\text{C}-\text{C}$

To determine

The increasing order of bond strength of the given covalent bonds.

Answer to Problem 2TC

The increasing bond strength of the covalent bonds are $\text{C}-\text{C}\text{<}\text{C}=\text{C}<\text{C}\equiv \text{C}$ .

Explanation of Solution

The covalent bond is a type of bond made between two atoms that has no electronegativity difference or less electronegativity difference. The atoms mutually share their valance electrons to make a covalent bond.In a covalent bond, the orbitals of an atom overlap to form a bond between the atoms.

If only one orbital overlaps sharing only one-one electron from each atom, a single covalent bond is formed.

If two orbitals overlap sharing two-two electrons from each atom, a double bond is formed.

If three orbitals overlap sharing three-three electrons from each atom, a triple bond is formed.

As the number of overlapping increases, bond strength increases.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the increasing bond strength of the covalent bonds are $\text{C}-\text{C<C}=\text{C}<\text{C}\equiv \text{C}$ .