Polarization of an Atom

Claimed by Owen Fisher

This page serves to outline and explain the inner workings and hidden mechanisms of the polarization of an atom.

The Main Idea

In an atom, the cloud of electrons, while connected to the nucleus, is not exactly centered on the nucleus. For this reason, atoms can interact with external charges and become polarized. The nucleus and cloud of electrons can move relative to each other. If an external charge comes into the same space that an atom occupies or is close by, the charge creates an electric field, which exerts a force on the atom. "Applied" electric fields such as this explain why the electron cloud and nucleus can move relative to each other. For example, if a positive charge is placed to the left of an atom, an electric field will be created that shifts the electron cloud of the atom towards the positive charge (to the left) and will shift the net positive nucleus away from the charge (to the right) as two objects of the same charge repel each other. In this case, it is now more probable to find an electron to the left of the nucleus, rather than the right.

A Mathematical Model

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples

Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

Connectedness

1. How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
2. How is it connected to your major?
3. Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

See also

Are there related topics or categories in this wiki resource for the curious reader to explore? How does this topic fit into that context?

Further reading

Books, Articles or other print media on this topic

External links

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Lesson-1/Polarization http://academics.smcvt.edu/abrizard/EM/dielectric_I.pdf http://budker.berkeley.edu/papers/pdfs/QBvisualisationPreprint.pdf http://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-6-001-electromagnetic-fields-and-energy-spring-2008/chapter-6/06.pdf http://www.hho4free.com/electrical_polarization.htm

References

https://www.webassign.net/ebooks/mi4/toc.html?page=14.3