Q36 / 120 · JEE Main 2007 · Chemistry

The charge/size ratio of a cation determines its polarizing power. Which one of the following sequences represents the increasing order of the polarizinig order of the polarizing power of the cationic species, $\mathrm{K}^{+}, \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}, \mathrm{Be}^{2+}$ ?

  • A
    $\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}, \mathrm{Be}^{2+}, \mathrm{K}^{+}, \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}$
  • B
    $\mathrm{Be}^{2+}, \mathrm{K}^{+}, \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}$
  • Correct answer
    C
    $\mathrm{K}^{+}, \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}, \mathrm{Be}^{2+}$
  • D
    $\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}, \mathrm{Be}^{2+}, \mathrm{K}^{+}$

Solution

Higher the charge/size ratio, more is the polarizing power. $\therefore \mathrm{K}^{+} < \mathrm{Ca}^{2+} < \mathrm{Mg}^{2+} < \mathrm{Be}^{2+}$ Hence, (C) is correct.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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