polarizálhatóságot

Polarizálhatóság, often translated as polarizability, is a fundamental property of matter that describes how readily the electron cloud of an atom or molecule can be distorted by an external electric field. When an electric field is applied, the positive nuclei and negative electrons within a species experience opposing forces. This differential force causes a separation of charge, creating an induced dipole moment. The greater the polarizability, the more easily this charge separation occurs and the larger the induced dipole moment will be for a given electric field strength.

The polarizability is a measure of how "squishy" or deformable the electron cloud is. Atoms or molecules with loosely held valence electrons, such as larger atoms or those with delocalized pi systems, tend to have higher polarizabilities. Conversely, species with tightly bound electrons, like small, highly electronegative atoms, exhibit lower polarizabilities.

This property is crucial in understanding various physical and chemical phenomena. For instance, it plays a significant role in intermolecular forces, such as London dispersion forces, which arise from temporary, induced dipoles. Polarizability also influences the refractive index of materials, their dielectric constants, and the way they interact with electromagnetic radiation. In chemistry, it can affect reaction rates and the stability of intermediates. The unit of polarizability in the SI system is C m²/V, but often atomic units or volume units (like ų) are used for convenience.