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Chemistry · Atoms & the Periodic Table
Orbital Overlap: Sigma and Pi Bonds – 3D Interactive
Students select s+s, p+p sigma, p+p pi or s+p orbital overlap, switch between bonding and antibonding interactions and adjust the internuclear separation to see how electron density and orbital energy respond. It gives senior and tertiary chemistry students a visual basis for sigma and pi bonding. The full interactive is available to licensed Education Universe users.
Years 11–12, UndergraduateExplorer
Learning outcomes
- Distinguish sigma and pi bonds by the way orbitals overlap.
- Compare bonding and antibonding interactions.
- Relate internuclear separation to orbital energy.
Teaching guidance
Ask students to predict where electron density will build up for each overlap type before switching views.
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Orbital Overlap Interactive is one of the licensed interactives in The Education Universe. This page describes it; teachers use it in lessons and classes with a licence or the free trial.