Polarizability More electrons are further from the nucleus Nucleus has less pull on far off electrons The more electrons the more “polarizability” More negative charge equals more polarizability i.e. Br - is more polarizable than Cl -. NaCl MgI 2

Polarizing Power Small highly charged cations can polarize atoms easier. Higher charge= tighter control over electrons Small= tighter control over electrons. I.E. Al 3+ can polarize another atom better than Na + NaCl MgI 2

Polarizing Power and Covalent Character Covalent Character vs. Ionic Character Higher polarizing power with higher polarizability yields Which has more covalent character, MgI 2 or NaCl, why NaCl MgI 2