Polarizability Calculator

Explore atomic polarizability and calculate induced dipole moments in electric fields.

Element

Electric Field (V/m)

Carbon

Atomic Polarizability

Polarizability Volume (α')

1.76 A³

Polarizability (SI)

1.958e-40 C·m²/V

Induced Dipole Calculation

μ_induced = α × E = 1.96e-40 × 1 V/m

μ_induced = 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.