Elemental dielectrics – absence of orientational and ionic polarization Consider elemental dielectrics (e.g., noble gases or elemental solids). The statement “orientational polarization and ionic polarization are absent” is:

Introduction / Context:
Polarization in dielectrics arises from electronic displacement, ionic displacement, and reorientation of permanent dipoles. For elemental dielectrics (consisting of a single chemical element), it is important to know which mechanisms can operate to predict dielectric constant and loss behavior across frequencies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Elemental dielectrics are composed of atoms of a single element (e.g., He, Ne, Ar gases; solid Si or Ge in intrinsic state).
• No permanent molecular dipoles exist.
• No ionic sublattices are present.

Concept / Approach:

Orientational polarization requires permanent dipole moments that physically rotate to align with the field; monoatomic elemental species do not have permanent dipoles. Ionic polarization requires relative displacement of positive and negative ions within a lattice; elemental dielectrics lack multicomponent ionic structures. Therefore, only electronic polarization (displacement of electron cloud relative to nucleus) contributes significantly.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Measured relative permittivities of elemental gases are very close to 1 and show weak dispersion except near electronic resonances, confirming negligible orientational/ionic contributions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

(b) contradicts basic molecular physics; (c) and (d) add irrelevant conditions; (e) is incorrect because not all mechanisms exist in all materials.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing induced dipoles (electronic) with permanent dipoles; induced dipoles do not produce orientational polarization.

Final Answer:

True