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polarizability

polarizability

9.9
How easily electrons in a molecule move when an electric field acts on it
  • noun
  • /ˌpoʊlərəˈzæbɪlɪti/
  • Specialized
: polarizabilidad
  • The polarizability of molecules in an electric field affects how they interact with light.

Examples

  • Their zero electric charge, tiny magnetic moment, and small electric polarizability make neutrons relatively insensitive to environmental fluctuations that would otherwise ruin delicate measurements.

    Academic text (2012)
  • After all, says Strehlow, there is no known linear dependence between the magnetic field and the polarizability.

    Academic text (1998)
  • OK, So what, what is it that has to do with polarizability, right?

  • Do you know what the polarizability of a sphere is?

  • And it's it, it part of that must be the same reason that the the polarizability can operate within a molecule as well as between molecules.

  • Measuring the velocity of an adatom under an applied field gradient allowed us to derive the surface-induced dipole moment and polarizability of the adatoms.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Using expressions derived from time-dependent local density theory, Chelikowsky and his colleagues obtained excellent results for the spectra and polarizabilities of sodium and silicon clusters.

    Academic text (1999)
  • James Chelikowsky and his group at the University of Minnesota have beautifully exploited that advantage in determining structural properties, polarizabilities, optical energy gaps, and excitation spectra.

    Academic text (1999)
  • In physics, the polarizability is a key factor in understanding the behavior of atoms within an electric field.

  • Researchers study the polarizability of different materials to improve their electronic properties.

Surface Forms

Morphology

polarizability = polarizable (semi-transparent) = polar + ize + able + ity

The noun is a straightforward nominalization of 'polarizable', referring to the property of being capable of polarization.

Etymology

The word polarizability comes from polar, from words for 'pole' like North and South, plus -ize meaning 'to make' and -ability meaning 'ability to'. So, polarizability is the 'ability to be made polar', meaning how easily a molecule can get a positive and a negative side when an electric field is near.