Estimating the (average local field)/(Applied field) in water

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating the average local field (Elocal) to applied field (E) ratio in water, specifically addressing the challenge of calculating this ratio using the dipole moment of water molecules and the relative permittivity (ε) of 80. The incorrect application of the Clausius-Mossotti formula leads to a result of 27.3, while the correct value is established as 6.6. The conversation highlights the importance of the Langevin (Debye) formula in accurately relating polarization (P), local field (Elocal), and dipole moment, emphasizing the complexities introduced by permanent dipole moments in liquids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative permittivity (ε) and its significance in dielectric materials.
  • Familiarity with the Clausius-Mossotti equation and its applications.
  • Knowledge of the Langevin (Debye) formula and its role in molecular polarization.
  • Basic concepts of dipole moments and their effects in electric fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Langevin (Debye) formula in detail to understand its application in calculating local fields.
  • Review the Clausius-Mossotti equation and its limitations in the context of polar liquids.
  • Explore the relationship between molecular density and electric susceptibility (χE) in various states of matter.
  • Investigate the effects of permanent dipole moments on dielectric behavior in liquids.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in material science, and anyone studying dielectric properties of polar substances, particularly in understanding the complexities of molecular interactions in electric fields.

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Homework Statement


At room temperature the relative permittivity (ε) of water is 80. The dipole moment of a water molecule is 6.2×10-30 coulomb meters. What is the average value of Elocal/E for a water molecule? (In working out this problem, neglect the contribution to the relative permittivity from induced dipole moments.)


Homework Equations


\textbf{P}=\varepsilon_0 \chi_E \textbf{E}
\textbf{p}=(\chi_E/N)_{gas} \varepsilon_0 \textbf{E}_{local}
E_{local}/E=(N / \chi_E)_{gas} (\chi_E/N)_{liquid}
where N is the molecular density. Problem with the latter formula is that I don't know \varepsilon_{gas}. I guess there is more reasoning needed than equations.


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know why you shouldn't be able to use the Clausius-Mossotti formula for this. It gives a very incorrect result, but anyway, here is the reasoning i thought was correct:
Imagine a spherical cavity in the dielectric. Here lies the molecule that is under the influence of the local field. Now there will be negative charges in the direction of the field and positive in the other because of the polarization of the dielectric. The field from these boundary charges creates a field in the same direction as the applied field and the problem is to estimate it.

If anyone wants me to show how this is done I can of course spend an hour in deriving it. But this will not do much good since it yields the wrong answer. The end result (the derivation is correct) is:
E_{local}/E \simeq 1+ \chi_E/3=27.3
But the correct result is 6,6. Completely wrong. What is wrong in my assumptions here? How can I reason about the dipole moment?

The book talks about it: "Even in a liquid, dielectric behaviour is complicated when polar molecules are present, since very large fields are generated by the permanent dipole moment." So why leave it to the student to solve such a difficult problem? Is there something i have missed?

(I Heard, by the way, that this is a special problem. I solved all the other problems in the chapter, but here I don't even know where to start. I have reread the whole chapter and parts of it resulting in better understanding, but still...)
 
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Have you covered the Langevin (Debye) formula which relates the polarization ##P##, the local field ##E_{local}##, the permanent dipole moment of a molecule, the number of molecules per unit volume, and the temperature? See for example equation 1.9.11 here.

If you combine the Langevin formula with the formula ##P = \epsilon_o \chi_E E## I think you can get the result of 6.6 for the ratio of the local and applied fields.
 
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TSny said:
Have you covered the Langevin (Debye) formula which relates the polarization ##P##, the local field ##E_{local}##, the permanent dipole moment of a molecule, the number of molecules per unit volume, and the temperature? See for example equation 1.9.11 here.

If you combine the Langevin formula with the formula ##P = \epsilon_o \chi_E E## I think you can get the result of 6.6 for the ratio of the local and applied fields.

Yes, I have covered the orientational polarizability induced by dipoles aligning with the Electric field, but with a simpler derivation than done in your linked presentation. As they hint I let the distortional polarizability be zero and then I get the quotient 6,6.
 

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