Polarizability and States

[Zoya Mulji 1K]

What is the relationship between polarizability and the states of atoms/molecules?

[kpang_4H]

I dont think there is a relationship, I think larger atoms are generally more polarizable.

[Aadil Rehan 1D]

I think gaseous atoms are the most polarizable, simply based on the fact that atoms and their electrons are most mobile in the gas state.

[Ashley Fang 2G]

The greater the molecular mass, the greater the electron cloud distortion and polarizability. London dispersion forces tend to be stronger between molecules that are easily polarized. Thus, with a higher intermolecular force, the melting point/boiling point will also tend to be higher because more energy is needed to phase change, so it'll be more likely that the element will be in a solid or liquid state than say a gaseous state with a higher MP/BP.

An example would be Bromine, which is a liquid, while Iodine (a row below Bromine) is a solid due to its greater molecular mass, greater atomic radii, greater polarizability, and also higher MP.