Question

In a molecule of chlorine (Cl2), the chlorine atoms are connected to each other by a single bond. Which statements correctly describe this bond? Select all the correct answers. It contains electrons from the first energy level. It is a sigma bond. It is the result of sp2 hybridization. It is formed by overlap of two hybrid orbitals.

Answer 1

Answer:

It is a sigma bond

Explanation:

Chlorine has an electronic configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5. This means that the outermost n=3 level has seven electrons. Hence one more electron is needed for the octet of outermost electrons to be achieved. As a result of this, chlorine enters into covalent bonding with another chlorine atom to form Cl2.

The outermost 3p electrons of the two chlorine atoms are now shared to form a p-p sigma bond (a single bond). Hence, the Cl2 molecule contains a sigma(single) bond between two chlorine atoms. Hence the answer written above.