Orbital Overlap

[505095793]

Can someone explain orbital overlap and the role that orbital overlap plays on bond strength?

[405169322]

The orbital that have head-on overlap leads to a sigma bond which is is a strong bond. Especially when compared to a pi bond; formed with two atoms with overlapping p orbitals.

[hazelyang2E]

Sigma bonds are are formed from end to end orbital overlap while pi bonds are formed from side by side orbital overlap. A single bond between atoms is a sigma bond, a double bond between atoms is a sigma bond plus 1 pi bond, and a triple bond between atoms is a sigma bond plus 2 pi bonds.