Polarizability Calculator
Explore atomic polarizability and calculate induced dipole moments in electric fields.
Carbon
Atomic Polarizability
1.76 A³
1.958e-40 C·m²/V
Induced Dipole Calculation
μinduced = α × E = 1.96e-40 × 1 V/m
μinduced = 1.958e-40 C·m = 5.871e-11 D
Polarizability Trends
Alkali metals: High polarizability (loosely held valence electron)
Noble gases: Low polarizability (tightly held electrons)
Down a group: Polarizability increases (larger atomic size)
About Polarizability
Polarizability (α) measures how easily the electron cloud of an atom or molecule can be distorted by an electric field. It's crucial for understanding van der Waals forces, optical properties, and chemical reactivity. Larger, more diffuse electron clouds are more polarizable.
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Editorial Note
MyCalcBuddy Editorial Team
This page is maintained as an educational calculator reference.
Formula Source: Chemistry: The Central Science
by Brown, LeMay, Bursten