Polarizability

[Benjamin Chen 1H]

What are the factors that contribute to an atom's/molecule's polarizability when considering the strength of the Dispersion/London/Induced Dipole-Induced Dipole/Van der Waals Force?

[Megan Sparrow 1A]

All molecules are polarizable to some extent. Polarizability affects dispersion forces in the following ways: As polarizability increases, the dispersion forces also become stronger. The relationship between polarizability and the factors of electron density, atomic radii, and molecular orientation. The greater the number of electrons, the less control the nuclear charge has on charge distribution, and thus the increased polarizability of the atom.

[Ria Nawathe 1C]

To add on, in terms of periodic trends polarizability tends to increase as you go down a group because the atomic radius and the number of electrons increase.

[Angel More]

To add on even more, polarizability tends to decrease from left to right since the atomic radius and the number of electrons decreases.