Induced Polarization and Dielectric Constant of Polar Liquids

Abstract

The role of induced polarization in statistical theory of the dielectric constant of polar molecules is examined using the classical harmonic oscillator model of induced displacements by external and intermolecular fields. In the absence of translational fluctuations and anisotropy of polarizability, the theory leads to the results of Kirkwood and Onsager. Reasons for different results obtained by other developments are discussed.