What is Orientational Polarization ?

What is Orientational Polarization ?

Orientational Polarization Definition

Orientational polarization is the alignment of permanent dipole moments in molecules along the direction of an applied electric field.

Molecular Structure and Dipole Moments

Molecules like water have a bent structure resulting in permanent dipole moments due to the uneven distribution of charges.

Effect of Electric Field

An external electric field causes molecules with permanent dipole moments to align with the field, creating orientational polarization.

Examples of Molecules

Water and nitrogen dioxide are examples of molecules with permanent dipole moments due to their structural characteristics.

Torque on Dipole Moments

The applied electric field exerts a torque on the permanent dipole moments, leading to their alignment with the field.