Polarizability

[Ramsha Dis1B]

Does polarizability only refer to Anions? Will there ever be a question that asks for the polarizability for a cation?

[Megan Wong 4E]

Yes, polarizability only pertains to anions. By definition, polarizability is how easily it is for the atom to have distorted electron clouds.

Cations on the other hand have polarizing power, which is the ability to distort the electron clouds of anions.

[Rian Montagh 2K]

I think polarizability can also apply to atoms and molecules, because their electron densities can change. The more electrons they have, the easier it is for their electrons to be distorted by an ion, for example.

[Tatum Keichline 2B]

Polarizability is how easy it is to cause distortion to an electron cloud. Anions are highly polarizable because they have more electrons/are larger. Cations are small/less electrons and have high polarizing power, but low polarizability.

[Alyssa Wilson 2A]

Polarizability is the measure of how easily an electron cloud is distorted by an electric field. Typically the electron cloud will belong to an atom, molecule, or an ion. Anions have a high polarizability, while cations are positive having less electrons, which makes them have lower polarizability.