Number of Sigma and Pi Bonds

[Nathan Mariano 2G]

Why does only one sigma bond form between two atoms? Why can multiple pi bonds form between two atoms?

[Tarika Gujral 1K]

Sigma bonds refer to overlap of s orbitals: since there is only one s orbital, there can only be one sigma bond. Pi bonds, on the other hand, refer to overlap of p orbitals. Since there are multiple p orbitals, multiple pi bonds can form.

[Andrew Lam 3B]

pi bonds form between p orbitals -- there are 3 of them per atom

[Daniel Chang 3I]

It's due to the number of orbitals. S orbitals have one orbital while P orbitals have three

[chrisavalos-2L]

This is because a sigma bond is the overlapping of the s orbital and since there is only one there can only be one sigma bond. Also, there can be multiple pi bonds because it occurs between p orbitals, and there are three therefore there can be multiple pi bonds

[Esther Lee 4H]

you can have multiple pi bonds because there are 3 p orbitals

[Sang Hyoun Hong 3G]

You can have more than 1 pi bond because they are made up of the interaction between p orbitals. Because some elements can have the Px Py and Pz orbitals, they can make 3 pi bonds while only one S orbital is available, thus making it so that there can only be one sigma bond.