Chapter 13: Problem 28
Correct order of polarizing power is (a) \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}<\mathrm{K}^{+}<\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}<\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) (b) \(\mathrm{K}^{+}<\mathrm{Cs}^{+}<\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}<\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}<\mathrm{K}^{+}<\mathrm{Al}^{3+}<\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) (d) \(\mathrm{K}^{+}<\mathrm{Cs}^{+}<\mathrm{Al}^{3+}<\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding Polarizing Power
Identify Cations and Compare Charges
Consider Ionic Sizes
Order the Ions by Polarizing Power
Select Correct Answer
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cation Charge
For example, comparing the cations \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\), \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\), \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\), and \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\):
- \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) and \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\) both have a charge of +1.
- \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) has a charge of +2.
- \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) has a charge of +3.
Ionic Size
In the case of the cations in the exercise:
- \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) is the largest.
- \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\) is smaller than \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\).
- \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) is smaller than both \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\) and \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\).
- \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) is the smallest cation.
Charge Density
A high charge density implies that the cation is either highly charged, very small, or both. This leads to a stronger ability to polarize anions because the charge is concentrated in a small space, creating a more intense electric field. Evaluating charge density:
- \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) and \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\): Low charge density due to their large size and +1 charge.
- \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\): Higher charge density because of a +2 charge.
- \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\): Highest charge density with a +3 charge and small size.
Polarizability
- High polarizing power of the cation means it can distort an anion's electron cloud substantially.
- Anions with high polarizability, typically large anions, have more easily distortable electron clouds.