Polarizability

[Mallika Chimpiri 3K]

Can anyone explain the periodic trend for polarizability and the trend for polarizing power?

[Julianna Laurentano 4G]

Polarizability increases down a column because the atomic radius increases down a column, and large molecules are more polarizable. Polarizability also decreases across a period because there is an increase in the effective nuclear charge across a period, and cations are smaller than neutral atoms.

Polarizing power increases from left to right across a period because cations are more highly charged. Polarizing power also decreases down a group because there is an increase in atomic radius. Smaller atoms tend to have more polarizing power as they want the electrons more.

[Martina]

Polarizability increases toward Francium (like atomic radius) while polarizing power increases toward Fluorine (like elecronegativity)

[ZainAlrawi_1J]

Polarizability increases toward down and to the left on the periodic table, while polarizing power increases up and to the right on the periodic table.

[Erik Buetow 1F]

Polarizability increases down and left, polarizing power increases up and right. This has to do with the trends of the atoms size and likelihood of accepting electrons