Answer to Question #86775 in Electricity and Magnetism for Maria

Question

Explain the mechanism of polarization in polar and non polar dielectrics.

Answer 1

The molecules of polar dielectrics have a dipole moment in the absence of an electric field; when the field appears, they are oriented in such a way that the dipole moment is directed along the lines of intensity. However, the thermal motion of the molecules prevents complete orientation.

Molecules of non-polar dielectrics in the absence of a field do not have a dipole moment, it occurs in molecules when a field appears, and the greater the intensity of the external field.