Cation has a formal charge of and an ionic radius of . Cation has a formal charge of and an ionic ra — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
Cation $X$ has a formal charge of $+2$ and an ionic radius of $60 \text{ pm}$. Cation $Y$ has a formal charge of $+3$ and an ionic radius of $90 \text{ pm}$. What is the ratio of their ionic potentials ($\phi_X / \phi_Y$)?
Answer: 1
💡 Solution & Explanation
Ionic potential ($\phi$), which dictates polarizing power, is defined as the ratio of cationic charge to cationic radius. For $X$, $\phi_X = 2 / 60 = 1/30$. For $Y$, $\phi_Y = 3 / 90 = 1/30$. Therefore, the ratio $(1/30) / (1/30) = 1$.
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