Question

Sum of the number π and nt bonds in the ethylene molecule is x. The value of x is

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 6

In ethylene (C₂H₄), the molecular structure consists of two carbon atoms connected by a double bond, with each carbon also bonded to two hydrogen atoms. A double bond comprises one sigma (σ) bond and one pi (π) bond. Therefore, in ethylene, there is one π bond.

Additionally, single covalent bonds between atoms are sigma (σ) bonds.
In C₂H₄, apart from the double bond between the carbon atoms, each carbon atom forms two single bonds with hydrogen atoms:

• Each carbon atom forms two single (σ) bonds with hydrogen, contributing a total of 4 σ bonds (2 σ bonds per carbon).
• The double bond between the carbon atoms includes 1 π bond and 1 σ bond.

Therefore, total σ bonds (including 1 from the double bond) = 4 C-H σ bonds + 1 C-C σ bond = 5 σ bonds.

Now, to find x, the total number of π bonds and σ bonds:
x = π bonds + σ bonds = 1 + 5 = 6.

The value of x is 6, matching the expected range 6,6.