An electric field can induce an electric dipole in a neutral atom or molecule by pushing the positive and negative charges in opposite directions. The dipole moment of an induced dipole is directly proportional to the electric field. That is, , where is called the polarizability of the molecule. A bigger field stretches the molecule farther and causes a larger dipole moment.
a. What are the units of ?
b. An ion with charge is distancefrom a molecule with polarizability . Find an expression for the force .