What kind of bond is between the hydrogen atoms in a hydrogen molecule?

The correct answer is Sigma bond.

Key Points

• A sigma bond (σ bond) is the strongest type of covalent chemical bond.
• In a hydrogen molecule (H₂), the bond between the two hydrogen atoms is a single sigma bond.
• Sigma bonds are formed by the head-on (end-to-end) overlap of atomic orbitals.
• The electron density in a sigma bond is concentrated directly between the nuclei of the bonding atoms.

Additional Information

• Types of Covalent Bonds:
  • Sigma Bond (σ bond): Formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals, found in single bonds.
  • Pi Bond (π bond): Formed by the side-by-side overlap of p orbitals, found in double and triple bonds.
• Overlap of Orbitals:
  • Sigma bonds can involve s-s, s-p, or p-p orbital overlaps.
  • Pi bonds usually involve p-p orbital overlaps.
• Bond Strength:
  • Sigma bonds are generally stronger than pi bonds due to the direct overlap of orbitals.
  • In multiple bonds (double or triple), one bond is a sigma bond, and the others are pi bonds.
• Molecular Orbital Theory:
  • Describes the formation of covalent bonds in terms of the combination of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals.
  • Sigma molecular orbitals result from the constructive interference of atomic orbitals.