Question

Which of the following atoms should have the smallest polarizability?

N

Br

F

Po

Pb

Answer 1

The ability of an atom to become polarizable is called polarizability, its an ability to form instantenous diploes. The main factor causing the polarizibility are 1)The greater the number of electrons, the less control the nuclear charge has on charge distribution, and thus the increased polarizability of the atom 2) The greater the distance of electrons from nuclear charge, the less contro the nuclear charge has on the charge distribution, and thus the increased polarizability of the atom. 3) Molecular oreintation with respet to the electric field can effect the polarizability among the given atoms flourine (F) has the smallest polaribility, because it is small in size and more electronegitive compared to N,Br,Po,Pb.