Which type of chemical bond is most likely formed when the overlap occurs between an s orbital and a p orbital from two different atoms?

• A. Hydrogen bond
• B. Ionic bond
• C. Sigma (σ) bond
• D. Pi (π) bond

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical bonds form by the overlap of atomic orbitals from different atoms, which allows electrons to be shared or transferred.
2. Recall that a sigma (\sigma) bond is formed by the head-on (axial) overlap of orbitals, such as s-s, s-p, or p-p orbitals, along the internuclear axis.
3. Recognize that a pi (\pi) bond is formed by the side-by-side (lateral) overlap of two p orbitals, occurring above and below the internuclear axis.
4. Since the problem states overlap between an s orbital and a p orbital, the overlap is head-on, which corresponds to the formation of a sigma (\sigma) bond.
5. Therefore, the bond formed by the overlap of an s orbital and a p orbital from two different atoms is a sigma (\sigma) bond.