Question

which of the following species has greater polarizing power and why? a)fe3+ or fe2+ b)cu2+ or na+

Answer 1

To calculate the polarizing power we have to consider the fajan's rule that defines large the covalent character , more will be polarizing power.  

Fajan Rule:

1. Large anion , high charge, more will be the polarizing power.

2. Small cation, high charge, more will be the polarizing power.

a)Fe³⁺ or Fe²⁺ :

Fe³⁺ will have more polarizing power as it has high charge.

b)Cu²⁺ or Na⁺ :

Cu²⁺ will have more polarizing power as it has small size and high charge.