In chemistry, bond strength is the degree to which each atom joined to another in a chemical bond contributes to the valency of this other atom. Bond strength is intimately linked to bond order and can be quantified by:
- bond energy: requires lengthy calculations, even for the simplest bonds.
- bond-dissociation energy
Another criterion of bond strength is the qualitative relation between bond energies and the overlap of atomic orbitals of the bonds (Pauling and Mulliken). The more these overlap, the more the bonding electrons are to be found between the nuclei and hence stronger will be the bond. Overlap is necessary for the formation of molecular orbitals. This overlap can be calculated and is called the overlap integral.
Famous quotes containing the words bond and/or strength:
“When the bond of love broke,
the respect born of affection withered,
good feelings fled,
and that man walked before me
like any other,
Good Friend,
I imagine all this,
think on days gone by
and wonder why
my heart hasn’t cracked
into a hundred bits.”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)
“on thy brow
Shall sit a nobler grace than now.
Deep in the brightness of the skies
The thronging years in glory rise.
And, as they fleet,
Drop strength and riches at thy feet.”
—William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)