Polarizing Power

[EthanPham_1G]

What is polarizing power and what does it do? Which atoms have a higher polarizing power?

[Andrew F 2L]

According to the book, polarizing power arises from when atoms and ions have the impact of large distortions. Cations are typically high in polarizing power due to a smaller radius and being highly charged. Polarizing power of cations increases from left to right across a period

[JasonKwon_3k]

Smaller and higher charged cations have higher polarizing power due to their nucleus, the positive charge, being more exposed to the anion, thus having a stronger pull on the valence electrons of the anion. This creates a greater distortion, which indicates a higher polarizing power.

[JasonKwon_3k]

Smaller and higher charged cations have higher polarizing power due to their nucleus, the positive charge, being more exposed to the anion, thus having a stronger pull on the valence electrons of the anion. This creates a greater distortion, which indicates a higher polarizing power.