Bond length and strength

[JNew]

I don't really understand what it means that an sp3 bond is longer than an sp2, etc. and an sp bond in greater in strength than an sp2 bond. What exactly are we refering to when we say sp and sp2, the electron geomety, the molecular geometry? and then how does that relate to the actual bonding?

Thanks

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[Baylor2011]

All those orbitals have to do with hybridization, should have covered it first semester in organic chemistry. You have quite a few questions there, if I were you...I'd crack open my ochem book and do some reading

 

[addo]

In general, the longer the bond length, the weaker it is.
In sp3 hybridized molecules you have single bonds, which are longer than double (sp2) and even longer than triple bonds (sp).

 

[bobu]

hi,

sp3 = single bond, sp2 = double bond; and sp = tripple bond therefore, single bond is always longer than double bond, but only one bond, so weaker. same with tripple bond

 

[rnbaxter]

I don't really understand what it means that an sp3 bond is longer than an sp2, etc. and an sp bond in greater in strength than an sp2 bond. What exactly are we refering to when we say sp and sp2, the electron geomety, the molecular geometry? and then how does that relate to the actual bonding?

Thanks

Just know that sp3 is longer than sp2. And sp2 is longer than sp. Now if the length of something is longer it will be weaker.

Think of taking a 20 foot 2X4 and laying it across two buildings. Then think about taking a 4 foot 2X4 and doing the same.

Which one would you prefer to walk across?

 

[JNew]

Thanks for the responses. Haven't reviewed my ochem in about three years. Hope to begin next week. D-DAY, June 23. Good Luck to all.