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Langevin Debye Equation Notes

The Langevin–Debye equation describes orientation polarization in polar dielectrics with permanent dipole moments, highlighting the balance between dipole alignment under an electric field and thermal agitation. The equation provides expressions for orientational and total molecular polarizability, showing that the orientation term is inversely related to temperature, which explains the decrease in dielectric constant with rising temperature. Key points include its derivation from the Langevin function and its applicability to polar molecules such as water and ammonia.

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Langevin Debye Equation Notes

The Langevin–Debye equation describes orientation polarization in polar dielectrics with permanent dipole moments, highlighting the balance between dipole alignment under an electric field and thermal agitation. The equation provides expressions for orientational and total molecular polarizability, showing that the orientation term is inversely related to temperature, which explains the decrease in dielectric constant with rising temperature. Key points include its derivation from the Langevin function and its applicability to polar molecules such as water and ammonia.

Uploaded by

royprajapati518
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Langevin–Debye Equation

Context:
The Langevin–Debye equation explains orientation polarization in polar dielectrics having
permanent dipole moments. Under an external electric field, dipoles tend to align, but thermal
agitation resists alignment, making the effect temperature-dependent.

Equation:
Orientational polarizability is given by:
αorient = µ² / (3 kB T)
Total molecular polarizability:
α = αe + αi + µ² / (3 kB T)

Polarization:
For number density N:
P = N α E = N (αe + αi + µ² / (3 kB T)) E

Explanation:
- Electronic (αe) and ionic (αi) polarizabilities are temperature independent.
- Orientation term (µ² / 3kBT) is inversely proportional to temperature.
- Explains why dielectric constant of polar materials decreases with increasing temperature.
- Applicable to polar dielectrics like H■O, NH■, etc.

Key Points for Exams:


• Derived from Langevin function (small field approximation).
• Explains temperature dependence of dielectric constant.
• Applies to polar molecules with permanent dipole moments.

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