Question on a simple caluclation of electric susceptibility

In summary, the conversation discusses the simplest model for calculating electric susceptibility of dielectrics, which involves a driven oscillation of an electric dipole with a resistive force proportional to its velocity. The equation for this model is given by m\ddot{x}+\gamma \dot{x}+kx=-eE. The conversation then delves into the interpretation of the resistive force and its relationship to radiation reaction and the acceleration of the electron. It is noted that while the resistive force proportional to velocity is not physically realistic, it does provide a mathematically reasonable description of the complex structure. Additionally, it is mentioned that this term may also represent the action of other bodies, such as random fluctuations or collisions with scatterers
  • #1
ShayanJ
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The simplest model for calculating electric susceptibility of dielectrics,is a driven oscillation of an electric dipole with a resistive force proportional to its velocity.Its equation is like below:
[itex] m\ddot{x}+\gamma \dot{x}+kx=-eE [/itex]
We know that the restoring force is the same force binding the electron to its nucleus and the driving force is due to an external field.Now,for a bound charge,the only interpretation of the resistive force can be the radiation reaction due to the electron's radiation because of its acceleration.My question is this:
The radiation reaction is given(classically) by the Abraham–Lorentz formula which says its proportional to the time derivative of the acceleration.How can such a force be approximated by a term proportional to velocity?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
The resistive force proportional to v is just a parametrization used to make the equations soluble in a much oversimplified model. Although it is not physically realistic, it does give a mathematically reasonable description of the complex structure.
 
  • #3
Now,for a bound charge,the only interpretation of the resistive force can be the radiation reaction due to the electron's radiation because of its acceleration.
That is one source of damping, and Lorentz and Planck used it that way. But proper description of action of molecule's own field would really require more than by viscous force term. Viscous term is more appropriate for friction due to other particles/fields. For example, Einstein in his paper on Quantum theory of radiation considers neutral molecule moving in a system of molecules and EM radiation in equilibrium state. The force molecule feels is divided into average damping force (given by viscous term ##-\gamma \mathbf v##) and random fluctuating force (describable by fluctuating E(t) in your equation). So the term ##-\gamma \mathbf v## may be regarded as approximate description of action of other bodies, not just due to "radiation reaction" of the molecule's own field. Similarly, in the Drude model of conductivity of metals, this term is due to randomization of motion after collision of the electron with some scatterer in the metal.
 

1. What is electric susceptibility?

Electric susceptibility is a measure of how easily a material can be polarized in the presence of an electric field. It is a dimensionless quantity that indicates the extent to which the material's internal polarization responds to an applied electric field.

2. How is electric susceptibility calculated?

Electric susceptibility is calculated by taking the ratio of the polarization induced in a material to the strength of the applied electric field. This can be expressed as χ = P/E, where P is the polarization and E is the electric field strength.

3. What is the SI unit for electric susceptibility?

The SI unit for electric susceptibility is the inverse of the unit for electric permittivity, which is farad per meter (F/m). Therefore, the unit for electric susceptibility is meters squared per farad (m^2/F).

4. How does electric susceptibility affect the behavior of a material?

Electric susceptibility plays a crucial role in determining the dielectric properties of a material, such as its ability to store electrical energy. It also affects the material's response to an external electric field, as materials with higher susceptibility will be more easily polarized.

5. What are some factors that can affect the electric susceptibility of a material?

The electric susceptibility of a material can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities or defects. Additionally, the chemical composition and crystal structure of a material can also impact its electric susceptibility.

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