Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Practice Exam

A triple bond is characterized by the sharing of three pairs of electrons between two atoms. This type of bond occurs when two atoms each contribute three of their valence electrons to the bond, resulting in a strong interaction that significantly holds the atoms together.

Triple bonds are commonly found in molecules such as nitrogen (N₂) and acetylene (C₂H₂), where the shared electron pairs create a very stable bond that is stronger than single or double bonds. The addition of multiple pairs of shared electrons increases the bond strength and decreases the bond length compared to other bond types.

In contrast, single bonds involve the sharing of one pair of electrons, and double bonds involve the sharing of two pairs of electrons. Quadruple bonds, although theoretically possible in very specific contexts, are not commonly found in stable molecular structures in organic or inorganic chemistry. Thus, the defining characteristic of a triple bond—its sharing of three pairs of electrons—makes it unique and identifiable among the types of chemical bonds.