Polarizability

Definition

Polarizability is the measure of an atom's or molecule's ability to distort its electron cloud and redistribute its electronic charge in response to an external electric field.

Related terms

Electronegativity: This is a measure of how strongly atoms attract bonding electrons to themselves.

Ionization Energy: This is the energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom or ion.

London Dispersion Forces: These are temporary attractive forces that result when the electrons in two adjacent atoms occupy positions that make the atoms form temporary dipoles.