How do the strengths of bonds formed by carbon compare to those formed by elements with bigger atoms?

The strengths of bonds formed by carbon generally surpass those formed by elements with larger atoms. Carbon-carbon bonds, particularly in hydrocarbons, exhibit significant strength due to effective orbital overlap resulting from carbon’s small atomic size. In contrast, larger atoms with diffuse electron clouds, like those found in elements beyond carbon in the periodic table, experience weaker bonding. The smaller size of carbon allows for more direct and efficient overlap of atomic orbitals, leading to stronger covalent bonds. This contributes to the stability and versatility of carbon compounds, a key factor in the diversity and complexity of organic chemistry.