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The number of bonds formed in ethene is:
4
5
3
6
6
The question asks for the number of bonds formed by a single ethene molecule. A molecule of ethene (C2тАЛH4тАЛ) consists of 4 C-H single bonds and 1 C=C double bond, totaling 6 bonds, but common interpretation in some curricula focuses on the distinct types of bonds or specific bond groupings.
The question asks for the number of bonds formed by a single ethene molecule. A molecule of ethene (C2тАЛH4тАЛ) consists of 4 C-H single bonds and 1 C=C double bond, totaling 6 bonds, but common interpretation in some curricula focuses on the distinct types of bonds or specific bond groupings.
Think of the C=C double bond as a strong handshake involving both hands, and the four C-H bonds as four individual, single-handed high-fives connecting to other people.
C2тАЛH4тАЛ тАФ Molecular formula of ethene
sp2 тАФ Hybridization of carbon atoms in ethene
Ethene features two carbon atoms connected by a double bond, with each carbon atom also bonded to two hydrogen atoms via single sigma bonds. The total covalent bonds present are 1 sigma bond between carbons, 1 pi bond between carbons, and 4 sigma bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Total bonds = 4 (C-H) + 1 (C-C sigma) + 1 (C-C pi) = 6 total covalent bonds.
The C=C bond consists of one strong sigma bond and one weaker pi bond.
The geometry around each carbon atom is trigonal planar with a bond angle of approximately 120┬░.
The double bond makes ethene highly reactive, suitable for polymerization.
High reactivity requires careful storage to prevent unwanted oxidation or polymerization.
Production of polyethylene plastic
Ripening agent for fruits
The official answer key provided mentions '3', which is likely a misinterpretation by the source referring to the types of bonds (C-H single, C-C sigma, C-C ╧А) or a specific constraint, though the chemical fact is 6 total bonds.
Option A (4) is incorrect as it ignores the pi bond or the C-H bonds.
Option B (5) is incorrect as it fails to sum all 6 bonds.
Option D (6) is the scientifically correct total count of covalent bonds.
D is correct тАФ scientifically, there are 4 C-H sigma bonds, 1 C-C sigma bond, and 1 C-C pi bond, totaling 6 covalent bonds.
Always distinguish between 'total number of bonds' and 'number of bond types' when reading organic chemistry questions, as exams sometimes use them interchangeably.