The strength of bonds formed by overlapping of atomic orbitals is in the order .

Options

A. `s -s gt s -p gt p- p`
B. `s -s gt p -p gt s- p`
C. `s -p gt s -s gt p- p`
D. `p -p gt s -s gt s- p`

Answer

To determine the strength of bonds formed by the overlapping of atomic orbitals, we can analyze the different types of overlaps that occur between the orbitals: S-S, S-P, and P-P.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Types of Orbitals**:
- The atomic orbitals we are considering are S, P, D, and F. However, for this question, we will focus on S and P orbitals.

2. **Understand the Shape of Orbitals**:
- The S orbital has a spherical shape, which allows for a maximum area of overlap when two S orbitals come together.
- The P orbital has a dumbbell shape with two lobes, which can overlap in different orientations.

3. **Analyze S-S Overlap**:
- When two S orbitals overlap (S-S overlap), they do so in a way that maximizes the area of overlap. This results in a strong bond because the overlapping region is significant.

4. **Analyze S-P Overlap**:
- In the case of S-P overlap, the S orbital overlaps with one lobe of the P orbital. This overlap is less than that of S-S overlap, leading to a bond that is weaker than the S-S bond.

5. **Analyze P-P Overlap**:
- P-P overlap occurs when two P orbitals overlap sidewise. This type of overlap is generally less effective than S-S and S-P overlaps because the area of overlap is smaller compared to S-S and S-P overlaps.

6. **Rank the Strength of Bonds**:
- Based on the analysis of the overlaps:
- S-S overlap is the strongest due to maximum overlap.
- S-P overlap is next, as it has a significant overlap but less than S-S.
- P-P overlap is the weakest due to the lesser area of overlap.

7. **Conclusion**:
- The order of bond strength based on the overlapping of atomic orbitals is: **S-S > S-P > P-P**.