Factors Affecting Polarizability

Exam 3 Prep

Size (e^- count), Periodic Trend, And Shape

What are the three factors that affect polarizability?

More And Total Number of Valence e^- Increases

Polyatomic groups become _____ polarizable as the __________________________

Their Valence Shells (e^- Clouds) are Bigger and More Easily Distorted

Why are heavier elements (e.g. 5th and 6th row) are more polarizable than lighter ones?

Due to Increasing Z_eff (Same Trend as Radius of Neutral Atoms)

Why does polarizability decrease across a period?

Molecules With More Surface Area

Based on shape, what molecules are polarizable?

Flat and Rod-Shaped (Anisotropic)

What shapes are more polarizable (have more surface area)

Isotropic

What shapes are not as polarizable (less surface area)