Question

Are larger atoms more polarizable?

Answer 1

Polarizability: It is defined as the easiness with which the electron cloud of an atom can be pulled away. In other words, the ability of an atom to be polarized is known as the polarizability of that atom. It depends on the following-

1. Number of electrons - more the number of electrons in an atom, lesser is its effective nuclear charge and higher is the polarizability of an atom.
2. Atomic radius/size of an atom - more the distance between the electrons and the nucleus, lesser is its effective nuclear charge and its hold on the electrons. So, higher is the polarizability.

So, yes larger atoms are more polarizable.