Deriving the dielectric constant of water

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the dielectric constant of water, which is approximately 80, significantly higher than that of other materials. The participants highlight the influence of strong hydrogen bonding between water molecules as a key factor contributing to this high value. There is a request for a mathematical explanation of this phenomenon, indicating a gap in available resources. The inquiry also touches on whether the derivation considers permanent dipoles or solely induced polarization in an external electric field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dielectric constants and their significance in materials science.
  • Familiarity with hydrogen bonding and molecular interactions.
  • Basic knowledge of electric fields and polarization effects.
  • Mathematical derivation techniques relevant to physical chemistry.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical derivation of dielectric constants for polar molecules.
  • Explore the role of hydrogen bonding in determining the properties of water.
  • Study the effects of permanent dipoles versus induced polarization in dielectric materials.
  • Examine experimental methods for measuring dielectric constants in liquids.
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Students and researchers in physical chemistry, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the properties of water and its applications in various scientific fields.

Sourabh N
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We derived a formula to calculate the dielectric constant for some materials. It works well for gases and some liquids. But, water has a extraordinary dielectric constant of ~80. I tried googling it up but couldn't find any place which explains (mathematically) why it's so big. The professor said he couldn't find anything on the net either.

Any ideas?

P.S. I can get the formula we derived in class tomorrow morning, if needed.
 
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I think it is due to the strong hydrogen bridging bonds between the water molecules. These easily adapt to the electric field thus leading to the high dielectric constant.
 
Sourabh N said:
We derived a formula to calculate the dielectric constant for some materials. It works well for gases and some liquids. But, water has a extraordinary dielectric constant of ~80. I tried googling it up but couldn't find any place which explains (mathematically) why it's so big. The professor said he couldn't find anything on the net either.

Any ideas?

P.S. I can get the formula we derived in class tomorrow morning, if needed.

Is the derivation taking into account the permanent dipoles of the water molecules? Or it just assumes induced polarization in external field?
 

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