What is Electronic Polarization?

What is Electronic Polarization?

Electronic Polarization Definition

Electronic polarization is defined as the number of dipole moments per unit volume in a material, caused by the displacement of positive and negative charges in an atom.

Effect of External Electric Field

When an external electric field is applied, the nucleus moves towards the negative field intensity, and the electron cloud moves towards the positive field intensity, causing charge separation.

Dipole Moment

The dipole moment is the product of the nucleus charge and the displacement distance between the nucleus and the electron cloud.

Equilibrium of Forces

At a certain distance, the forces from the external electric field and Coulomb’s law balance each other, creating an equilibrium.