Distorted Electrons

[ngarcia]

Highly distorted electrons are described as being highly polarizable. But, how do you determine if an electron is a highly distorted electron?

[AGulati_4A]

An electron is not in itself distorted. If the effective nuclear charge of the atom that the electron is part of is relatively low and the ionization energy of the atom that pulls the electron towards is relatively high -- then the electron is highly polarizable and thus distorted

[805307623]

Neutral nonpolar atoms have electron clouds with spherically symmetrical electron arrangements. These electron clouds can be distorted if in the presence of an electric field, and I believe this distortion is defined as the polarizability of the atom or molecule. This distortion allows originally nonpolar molecules or atoms to achieve a dipole moment.

[Kennedi2J]

Does this apply to both ionic and covalent bonds?

[205154661_Dis2J]

What exactly are the characteristics of distorted electrons?