Question

What increases polarizability?

Answer 1

1. The tendency of a positive ion to disturb or distort the electron cloud of a negative ion is known as polarization.
2. The property by which a negative ion's electron cloud can be distorted by a positive ion is known as polarizability.
3. The factors that increase polarizability are:-

i) Presence of a higher number of electrons:-

1. If a higher number of electrons are there in the outermost shell, there will be less control of the nucleus on these electrons.
2. Hence, it is easier to distort the electron cloud of the negative ion.
3. Hence, the polarizability of the atom is enhanced.

ii) Higher atomic radius -

1. The more the distance of electrons from the nucleus, the less influence the nucleus has on the electrons.
2. So, it is easier to distort the electron cloud.
3. Hence, it will increase the polarizability of an atom.