Polarizability

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009077",
  "term": "Polarizability",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The ease with which the electron cloud of an atom or molecule can be distorted by an external electric field, leading to an induced dipole moment. This property reflects the deformability of the electron distribution and is influenced by the size of the electron cloud and the tightness with which electrons are held by the nucleus. Polarizability is a key factor in determining intermolecular forces, refractive index, and the strength of dispersion interactions.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "electric polarizability",
    "molecular entity"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1151 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/polarizability/"
}