Polarizability

[Layal Suboh 1I]

Hello,

I'm having difficulty understanding polarity. I know that it causes a separation of charge (for example, O becoming slightly negative and H becoming slight positive), but what does it mean that polarity is how easily electrons are distorted?

Thanks

[Annalyn Diaz 1J]

I believe that having a higher polarity increases the chances of the distortion of electrons because the electrons from one atom are being pulled/attracted more strongly by another atom. In a sense, I think having a larger atomic radius would also increase the chances of electron distortion.

[monikac4k]

A good analogy for me to understand polarizability is to compare it to malleability.
Polarizability, from my understanding, is how likely an atom or molecule's electron cloud will shift in response to another electromagnetic force.
Malleability is a substance's ability to change form and mold into a different shape under pressure.
Just like some materials, like clay and putty, are more malleable than other materials, like iron and steel, some atoms and molecules, usually, those with larger electron clouds, are more polarizable than other atoms.