Which of the following is true about the overlap of atomic orbitals in the formation of a covalent bond?
The overlap of atomic orbitals is always head-on.
The overlap of atomic orbitals is always sidewise.
The overlap of atomic orbitals can be either head-on or sidewise.
The overlap of atomic orbitals is not important in the formation of a covalent bond)
The overlap of atomic orbitals can be either head-on or sidewise, depending on the orientation of the orbitals. In a head-on overlap, the lobes of the orbitals that have the same sign (positive or negative) overlap, while in a sidewise overlap, the lobes of the orbitals that have opposite signs overlap. The type of overlap determines the strength and orientation of the covalent bond formed) The head-on overlap leads to a sigma bond, which is stronger and more directional, while the sidewise overlap leads to a pi bond, which is weaker and less directional.