Question

Which anion is more polarizable?

Answer 1

1. Polarization is the tendency of a cation to distort an anion.
2. And polarizability is the ability of the anion to be polarised by the cation.
3. The polarizability of an anion is dependent on the size and charge of the anion.
4. Anions with lower charge density are more polarizable.
5. If the charge on the anion becomes same, then the anion with larger size is more polarizable.
6. For example : ${\mathrm{I}}^{-}>{\mathrm{Br}}^{-}>{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}>{\mathrm{F}}^{-}$
7. And if the size is same then the greater charge of anion is preferred.
8. For example: ${\mathrm{S}}^{2-}>{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$