can someone explain the trend of polarizability and how it works?

[mrh125]

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im not getting it. from what i read it has to do with creating a stronger induced dipole/vdw and I think the trend is the same as atomic radius. is that right? is there anything else?

 

[KVS]

Polarizability is a measure of how much an atoms electron cloud can be manipulated/distorted. Since larger atoms have a larger electron cloud in which the nucleus holds on less tightly to, they are more easily manipulated. So yes, you are correct- the trend is the same as the radius trend.