Which of the following combinations of atomic orbitals can combine to form sigma bonds?

s-s ,s-p, p-p ,hybrid orbital - hybrid orbital ,hybrid orbital - s ,hybrid orbital - p

To determine which combinations of atomic orbitals can form sigma bonds, we need to understand the concept of sigma bonds and how they are formed.

A sigma bond is a type of covalent bond in which the electron density is concentrated directly along the internuclear axis, or the line connecting the nuclei of two atoms. Sigma bonds are formed by the overlap of atomic orbitals between participating atoms.

Now, let's analyze the given combinations:

1. s-s: This combination involves the overlap of two s-orbitals and can form a sigma bond. A good example is the H-H single bond in a hydrogen molecule (H2).

2. s-p: This combination involves the overlap of an s-orbital with a p-orbital and can form a sigma bond. For example, the C-H single bond in methane (CH4) involves the overlap of the carbon atom's sp3 hybrid orbital with a hydrogen atom's s-orbital.

3. p-p: This combination involves the overlap of two p-orbitals and can form a sigma bond. A classic example is the C-C sigma bond in ethane (C2H6), which involves the overlap of two carbon atom's p-orbitals.

4. hybrid orbital - hybrid orbital: This combination involves the overlap of hybrid orbitals, such as sp3, sp2, or sp hybrid orbitals. Hybrid orbitals are created through hybridization of atomic orbitals. They can form sigma bonds. One example is the C-C sigma bond in ethyne (C2H2), which involves the overlap of two carbon atom's sp hybrid orbitals.

5. hybrid orbital - s: This combination involves the overlap of a hybrid orbital with an s-orbital and can form a sigma bond. An example is the C-H sigma bond in ethene (C2H4), which involves the overlap of a carbon atom's sp2 hybrid orbital with a hydrogen atom's s-orbital.

6. hybrid orbital - p: This combination involves the overlap of a hybrid orbital with a p-orbital and can form a sigma bond. An example is the C-Cl sigma bond in chloromethane (CH3Cl), which involves the overlap of a carbon atom's sp3 hybrid orbital with a chlorine atom's p-orbital.

In summary, the combinations that can form sigma bonds are:
- s-s
- s-p
- p-p
- hybrid orbital - hybrid orbital
- hybrid orbital - s
- hybrid orbital - p