Question

Why are double bonds shorter?

Answer 1

1. Bonds are formed by sharing of electrons between two or more different atoms.
2. The bonds which are formed by sharing of electrons are called covalent bonds.
3. Bonds are formed between pairs of valence electrons and depending on the valency they are formed.
4. Based on the number of pairs of electrons they are divided into three categories: single, double, and triple bonds.
5. Single bonds are the types of bonds that are formed between single pair of electrons.
6. Double bonds are shared between two atoms sharing pair of electrons.
7. Triple bonds are formed between two atoms sharing three pairs of electrons.
8. Double bonds are represented as $\left(=\right)$ and they share more number of electrons compared with a single bond.
9. This results in a greater force of attraction present between the atoms and hence they become closer to each other.
10. Therefore, due to high nuclear charge attraction the bond becomes shorter than single bonds.