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:
“The principle of subordination is the great bond of union and harmony through the universe.”
—Catherine E. Beecher (1800–1878)
“The question of place and climate is most closely related to the question of nutrition. Nobody is free to live everywhere; and whoever has to solve great problems that challenge all his strength actually has a very restricted choice in this matter. The influence of climate on our metabolism, its retardation, its acceleration, goes so far that a mistaken choice of place and climate can not only estrange a man from his task but can actually keep it from him: he never gets to see it.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)