In: Chemistry
Which atom species below would have the greatest polarizability?
a. |
Li |
|
b. |
Li+ |
|
c. |
Na+ |
|
d. |
N |
|
e. |
Cl |
|
f. |
Na |
Polarizability is the measurement of how easily an electron cloud is distorted by an electric field.
Large, negatively charged ions, such as I- and Br-, have high polarizability, whereas small ions with high positive charge, such as Mg2+ and Al3+ have low polarizability.
Atoms with fewer number of electrons will have smaller and denser electron clouds, because there is a strong interaction between the few electrons in the atomic orbitals and the positively charged nucleus. With the electrons held tightly in place in these smaller atoms, these atoms are typically not easily polarized by external electric fields.
So, among the given species Cl has greatest polarizability.
Hence, correct option is (e)