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Chapter 21: Problem 5

In ionic materials, how does the size of the component ions affect the extent of electronic polarization?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The size of component ions in ionic materials affects the extent of electronic polarization, as larger ions with more diffuse electron clouds are more easily polarized due to the influence of an external electric field. This increased polarizability can result in various changes to the ionic material's properties, such as higher dielectric constants and greater non-linear optical effects.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Electronic Polarization

Electronic polarization is the effect of an external electric field on the charge distribution of an ionic material, causing a displacement of the electron cloud relative to the positive nuclei. As a result, the ions within the material are distorted and possess a temporary electric dipole moment. The extent of this polarization (displacement of charges) is dependent upon a variety of factors, including the size of the ions in the ionic material.
02

Analyze the Relationship between Electronic Polarization and Ion Size

Ionic materials are composed of cations and anions. The size of these ions plays a significant role in determining the extent of electronic polarization. Generally, larger ions exhibit greater electronic polarizability than smaller ions. This is because larger ions have a more diffuse electron cloud, which can be more easily distorted by an external electric field.
03

Explain the Polarizability of Cations and Anions

In an ionic material, polarizability is a function of both cations and anions. Larger anions are more polarizable due to their greater size and more diffuse electron cloud, while smaller cations are less polarizable. In contrast, larger cations may also show some degree of polarization (although less than anions) due to their larger size, while smaller anions are less polarizable.
04

Discuss the Effect on Ionic Materials

As electronic polarization increases with the size of the component ions, this can have an impact on the properties of the ionic material. For example, materials with more polarizable ions will generally have higher dielectric constants, as they can better respond to an external electric field. Additionally, materials with high polarizability may also exhibit greater non-linear optical effects and other properties that depend on the distribution of electric charges within the material.
05

Conclusion

The size of the component ions in ionic materials affects the extent of electronic polarization. Larger ions, with more diffuse electron clouds, are more easily polarized due to the influence of an external electric field. This increased polarizability can result in various changes to the ionic material's properties, such as higher dielectric constants and greater non-linear optical effects.

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