Explain bonding in alkenes using sigma and pi bonds.

In the subtopic Structure, bonding and reactivity, this AQA A-Level Chemistry 7405 learning objective focuses on explain bonding in alkenes using sigma and pi bonds. It belongs to Alkenes, so revision should stay anchored to this exact subtopic rather than drifting into a generic GCSE-level chemistry summary. Approved keywords to use include alkene, pi bond. Pi bond. means a type of covalent bond formed by the sideways overlap of p orbitals, present in double bonds alongside a sigma bond Avoid the mistake of students often confuse sigma and pi bonds in alkenes, thinking that both types of bonds are formed in the same way; instead, to clarify, remember that a sigma bond is formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals, while a pi bond is formed by the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals. For example, in an alkene like ethene (C2H4), the C=C bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond. The sigma bond is formed first, followed by the formation of the pi bond. This distinction is crucial for understanding reactivity For exam answers, remember that alkenes contain both sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds. The σ bond is formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals, while the π bond is formed by the side-on overlap of p orbitals. This distinction is crucial for understanding their reactivity