Highly Polarizable

[deeksha1I]

In one of the lectures, Dr. Lavelle said that "high distorted electrons" are described as being highly polarizable and ions which cause large distortions are described as having high polarizing power. What exactly does this mean?
Thank you!

[Ya Gao]

Hey, highly distorted electron means the electron is loosely held by the atom or ion, therefore it can easily be distorted. Ions that cause large distortions are described as having high polarizing power, in this case, small highly charged ions. Hope it helps.

[Phillip Winters 2F]

Yes, small cations have high polarizing power while large anions have large polarizability.

[Jessica_Singh_1J]

Larger anions have a higher polarizability due to their larger size, which allows for electrons to be held more loosely. This in turn allows for them to be more easily distorted by smaller cations.

[Ilan Shavolian 1K]

also remember that cations are typically smaller, and anions are typically larger.