Question

Describe what happens to neutral atom (molecule) when it is placed in an electric field ?. You

may use words and sketches. Include both polar and unipolar molecule.

Answer 1

It depends on how strong the electric field is. If the force induced on the electrons and nucleus by the field is weaker than that which binds the electrons to the nucleus, than there will be a dielectric effect where the electrons and the nucleus are pulled in opposite directions to produce an electric field which will cancel out the external electric field within the atom (note: this is simplistic and not entirely accurate given that the atom is a quantum mechanical system, but correct in a broad sense). However, if the force induced is stronger, at least some of the electrons will be ripped of and form a surge of electric current. This is called dielectric breakdown, of which lightning bolts are an example of.