Polarizability

[xenamclean_1G]

Can someone explain more specifically how you can tell whether something has more polarizability compared to something else? Like how would you arrange the anions :Cl-, Br-, N3-, and O2- in order of increasing polarizability?

[Zaynab Hashm 2I]

generally the trend for polarizability is related to the atomic radii trend; it increases down a group and decreases across a period on the periodic table.

the larger the anion, the more polarizable; they would be arranged like so O2-<N3-<Cl-<Br-

[Camellia Liu 1J]

Another way to think about it in terms of how tightly the electron is 'held' by the nucleus. The larger the ion, the more shielding the outer electrons experience, and so the easier it is to be polarized--to have its electron cloud distorted.

[Miriam Villarreal 1J]

The relationship between polarizability and the factors of electron density, atomic radii, and molecular orientation is as follows:

1. The greater the number of electrons, the less control the nuclear charge has on charge distribution, and thus the increased polarizability of the atom.
2. The greater the distance of electrons from nuclear charge, the less control the nuclear charge has on the charge distribution, and thus the increased polarizability of the atom.

[Megan Jung 3A]

Typically, a larger anion will have a greater polarizability. This is because the electrons are not as tightly held near the nucleus and are more easily distorted. You can determine what is a larger anion by the number of protons in the element. If there is more protons, it will be smaller because the positive charge pulls electrons in tightly.