What Is Ion Polarization?

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Detailed Solution

Ion polarization is the distortion of the shape of an ion, usually an anion, due to the strong attraction of a nearby cation. It makes the electron cloud of the ion uneven. In chemistry, ions are charged particles. When a positively charged ion (cation) attracts a negatively charged ion (anion), the negative ion’s electrons may be pulled closer to the cation. This bending or distortion of the electron cloud is called polarization.

Factors Affecting Polarization

Size of Cation: Smaller cations have stronger attraction and cause more polarization.
Charge of Cation: Highly charged cations polarize more strongly.
Size of Anion: Larger anions with loose electrons are easier to polarize.

Example

In aluminum chloride (AlCl₃), the Al³⁺ ion strongly polarizes the Cl^- ion, making the bond have covalent character instead of pure ionic.

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