Which of the following has the smallest polarizability?
A) Ca 2+
B) S 2-
C) Cl
D) S

Question

Which of the following has the smallest polarizability?
A) Ca 2+ 
B) S 2- 
C) Cl
D) S

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polarizability is the ease with which the electron cloud of an atom or molecule can be distorted by an applied electric field. The polarizability of an ion is generally smaller than that of the corresponding neutral atom or molecule. Among the given options, CaS1U1P12+S1S1P0 is an ion, while SS1U1P12-S1S1P0, Cl, and S are neutral molecules. Therefore, CaS1U1P12+S1S1P0 has the smallest polarizability.

Which of the Following Has the Smallest Polarizability