Cause and Effect of Electrons in a Molecule

[Tamera Scott 1G]

So to clarify, more electrons causes a molecule to become more distorted and polarizable?

[Austin Clack]

Yes, a larger electron cloud is more susceptible to distortion because the attraction forces between protons and electrons are less powerful due to increased distance.

[Daniel_Frees_1L]

In addition to increased distance between the outer electrons and the nucleus, larger elements have more electron shielding which further reduces the pull of the nucleus on outer e-.