Polarization mechanisms — ionic crystals and orientation polarization State whether the following is true or false: “In molecules of ionic crystals, the orientation polarization component is zero.”

Introduction / Context:
Polarization in dielectrics has multiple contributors: electronic (electron cloud displacement), ionic (relative displacement of ions in the lattice), and orientation (reorientation of permanent dipoles). Recognizing which mechanisms are present for a given material class is key to predicting frequency and temperature dependence of εr.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ionic crystals (e.g., NaCl, KCl) consisting of positive and negative ions arranged in a regular lattice.
• No permanent molecular dipoles analogous to polar molecules like H2O.

Concept / Approach:
Orientation polarization requires permanent dipole moments that can reorient under an applied field. Ionic crystals are formed from symmetric ions without permanent molecular dipoles; their polarization arises from ionic polarization (relative ion displacement) and electronic polarization, not from orientation. Therefore, the orientation component is zero.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify polarization types and their prerequisites.Observe that ionic crystals lack permanent dipoles; thus, orientation polarization cannot occur.Conclude the statement is true.

Verification / Alternative check:
Dielectric spectra of ionic crystals show contributions from ionic and electronic mechanisms; no Debye-type orientational relaxation appears that would indicate permanent dipoles.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“False” would imply permanent dipoles exist, which is not the case. Dependence on temperature or crystal size does not create orientation polarization without inherent dipoles.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing ionic polarization (lattice ion shift) with orientational polarization of polar molecules.
• Assuming any dielectric exhibits all polarization types.

Final Answer:
True