Electronegativity and Polarizability

[Parth Mungra]

Do ions with a greater electronegativity difference have more polarizability? So, NaF bonded, there would be more distortion due to the F atom having a much higher electronegativity than Na, creating an unequal electron distribution, correct?

[Sarah Zhao 4C]

Polarizability is the ease to release an electron. A higher electronegativity means that electrons are more tightly held together. So polarizability and electronegativity are inversely related.

[Katie Sy 1L]

they're inversely related so a molecule with a greater electronegativity will have a lower polarizability

[Aidan Ryan 1B]

On a similar note, what is polarizing power compared to polarizability. Also are these only for ions?

[Henry Dudley 1G]

On a similar note, what is polarizing power compared to polarizability. Also are these only for ions?

Yes polarizing power is only for ions because it is a measure of the ability of one ion to polarize another ion or atom.