Polarization is the distortion of the shape of an anion by an adjacent...
Polarization of anion by adjacent cation
Definition of polarization:
Polarization refers to the distortion of the shape of an anion caused by the presence of an adjacent cation. It occurs due to the attraction between the positive charge of the cation and the negative charge of the anion.
Impact of cation charge:
The charge of a cation has a significant impact on the degree of polarization. Higher the charge of the cation, greater the polarization effect it will have on the adjacent anion. This is because a cation with a high charge has a stronger positive charge, which attracts the electrons of the anion more strongly, causing a greater distortion in its shape.
Impact of cation radius:
The size or radius of the cation also plays a role in polarization. A smaller cation will have a higher charge density (charge per unit volume) compared to a larger cation. This higher charge density results in a stronger positive charge, which leads to greater attraction towards the electrons of the adjacent anion, causing more polarization.
Impact of anion size:
The size of the anion does not directly determine the degree of polarization. However, a smaller anion will have a greater electron density compared to a larger anion. This higher electron density makes it more susceptible to polarization by an adjacent cation.
Correct statement:
The correct statement is option 'A' - Maximum polarization is brought about by a cation of high charge. This is because a cation with a high charge has a stronger positive charge, which attracts the electrons of the adjacent anion more strongly, causing a greater distortion in its shape.
Therefore, the degree of polarization is influenced by the charge of the cation and not by the size or charge of the anion.