Which of the following options correctly defines polarizability?

• A. The tendency of a molecule to align itself with a magnetic field.
• B. The ability of a molecule to form hydrogen bonds with water.
• C. The ease with which the electron cloud of an atom or molecule can be distorted by an external electric field.
• D. The strength of ionic bonds between two charged particles.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that polarizability refers to how easily the electron cloud around an atom or molecule can be distorted or shifted by an external influence, such as an electric field.
2. Recognize that this distortion creates an induced dipole moment, which is important in understanding intermolecular forces like London dispersion forces.
3. Note that polarizability is not related to magnetic alignment, hydrogen bonding ability, or ionic bond strength, which are different chemical concepts.
4. Recall the formal definition: Polarizability is the ease with which the electron cloud of an atom or molecule can be distorted by an external electric field.
5. Therefore, the correct option is the one that describes polarizability as the ease of distortion of the electron cloud by an external electric field.