Ionic Polarization – Does It Occur in Rare (Noble) Gases? The statement claims: “In a rare (noble) gas, some atoms carry excess positive or negative charge; an electric field shifts positive ions relative to negative ions. This is ionic polarization.” Is this statement correct?

Introduction / Context:
Polarization mechanisms in dielectrics include electronic, ionic, orientation (dipolar), and interfacial (space-charge) polarization. Ionic polarization specifically refers to relative displacement of positive and negative ions in ionic solids (e.g., NaCl) when an electric field is applied. The statement mixes this concept with the nature of rare gases, which are monatomic and non-ionic under normal conditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Medium: a rare (noble) gas such as He, Ne, Ar at ordinary conditions.
• No pre-existing ions; atoms are neutral and monatomic.
• Linear, low-field dielectric response considered.

Concept / Approach:

In rare gases, the dominant polarization mechanism is electronic polarization: the electric field slightly displaces the electron cloud relative to the nucleus in each atom, inducing a dipole moment. Ionic polarization, by definition, requires ions arranged in a lattice so that entire ions shift relative to each other under the field. Since a rare gas is not an ionic crystal, the described mechanism does not apply. Only under ionization (plasma) conditions would free ions exist, which is a different physical regime, not ordinary dielectric polarization.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Measured relative permittivities of noble gases are very close to 1 and scale with atomic polarizability (electronic), confirming the absence of ionic contributions in the gas phase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “True” options would require an ionic medium; that is not the case for rare gases.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing “induced dipole” (electronic polarization) with “ionic polarization”; assuming any positive/negative charge separation mechanism qualifies as ionic regardless of the material class.

Final Answer:

False