Relation between Heat Capacity and Polarizability?

In summary, the conversation discusses the effect of an electric field on non-periodic, non-polar compounds. It is suggested that dipoles emerge and cause non-uniform electric fields on a microscopic scale, leading to temperature increases. The polarizability of substances is also mentioned as a factor in determining the amount of temperature increase. The relationship between polarizability and heat capacity is brought up, with a reference to Landau and Lif****'s work. The practicality of this relationship is questioned, and the possibility of finding a relationship for plasmas is mentioned.
  • #1
Jonny_trigonometry
452
0
My thinking is, when a fairly non-periodic, non-polar compound is subjected to an electric field, dipoles emerge, and although they're all in the same direction, since the arangement of atoms in the substance isn't that regular, then the electric field inside will be non-uniform (on the microscopic scale). If there are small changes in the electirc field due to neighboring dipoles, then the dipoles will feel forces, thus causing more net movement and temperature. Seemingly, in this case the applied electric field might raise the temperature. But the amount of temerature increase must be dependant on the polarizability. The polarizability of substances decreases as temperature increases, so there must be an equilibrium point. So this tells me that the polarizability is like an extra "storage tank" of temerature of the substance, hinting towards a relation with heat capacity.

well?
 
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  • #2
If memory serves me correctly, Landau and Lif**** deal with this in one of their series, try either the electrodynamics of continuous matter or teh statistical physics vol 1.
 
  • #3
thanks. I found that there is a slight relationship for certain materials, but it's nothing really that practical to use. I wonder what it's like for plasmas...
 
  • #4
Figure it out, you should be able to find a relationship for the energy etc...from there you can find the heat capacity.
 

1. What is the definition of heat capacity?

Heat capacity, also known as thermal capacity, is a measure of the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount. It is typically measured in units of Joules per Kelvin (J/K).

2. How does heat capacity relate to polarizability?

The polarizability of a substance is a measure of its ability to be deformed by an electric field. In general, substances with higher polarizability have higher heat capacities, as they are able to store more energy in their molecular vibrations.

3. What is the relationship between heat capacity and temperature?

The heat capacity of a substance generally increases with temperature. This is because as the temperature increases, the molecular vibrations become more active and can store more energy.

4. How does the structure of a molecule affect its heat capacity?

The heat capacity of a substance is affected by its molecular structure. For example, substances with more complex structures tend to have higher heat capacities, as they have more degrees of freedom for molecular vibrations. Additionally, substances with polar bonds tend to have higher heat capacities due to their increased polarizability.

5. Can heat capacity and polarizability be used to predict the properties of a substance?

Yes, the heat capacity and polarizability of a substance can be used to predict its physical and chemical properties. For example, substances with low heat capacities and low polarizability tend to have lower boiling and melting points, while substances with high heat capacities and high polarizability tend to have higher boiling and melting points.

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