Question

State the fajans rule,

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Fajans' Rule is a concept in chemistry that predicts the type of bonding that occurs between ions, based on their charge and size. It specifically relates to ionic bonding, suggesting that certain conditions favor covalent character in the bonds formed between ions.

According to Fajans' Rule:

1. **Cation Size**: A smaller cation (positively charged ion) has a higher charge density and can polarize the electron cloud of the anion (negatively charged ion) more effectively. This leads to a greater covalent character in the bond.

2. **Anion Size**: A larger anion is more easily polarized compared to a smaller one; thus, it will exhibit more covalent character when bonded with a cation.

3. **Charge of the Ion**: A cation with a higher charge is more polarizing than one with a lower charge. Similarly, an anion with a higher charge is more easily polarized.

4. **Electronegativity**: The difference in electronegativity between the cation and the anion can also affect the degree of covalent character. When the electronegativity difference is smaller, there tends to be more covalent character in the bond.

Overall, the combination of a small, highly charged cation and a large, easily polarizable anion tends to result in a bond with significant covalent character, deviating from the purely ionic model.

Related Questions