Draw the total number of sigma and pi bonds of the sulfur trioxide molecule, SO₃.

• A. 4 sigma, 0 pi
• B. 3 sigma, 1 pi
• C. 2 sigma, 2 pi
• D. 1 sigma, 3 pi

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of sulfur trioxide (SO₃). Sulfur is the central atom surrounded by three oxygen atoms.
2. Step 2: Determine the type of bonds present. Sigma (σ) bonds are single covalent bonds formed by the direct overlap of orbitals, while pi (π) bonds are formed by the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals.
3. Step 3: Draw the Lewis structure of SO₃. Sulfur typically forms double bonds with oxygen in SO₃, resulting in one sigma bond and one pi bond per double bond.
4. Step 4: Count the sigma bonds. Each sulfur-oxygen double bond contains one sigma bond, so with three oxygen atoms, there are three sigma bonds in total.
5. Step 5: Count the pi bonds. Each sulfur-oxygen double bond also contains one pi bond, so there is a total of three pi bonds in the molecule.