Question

What is the electric polarizability of helium?

(a) 0.18 * 10^-40 Fm^2

(b) 0.35 * 10^-40 Fm^2

(c) 1.43 * 10^-40 Fm^2

(d) 3.54 * 10^-40 Fm^2

I had been asked this question in an international level competition.

This intriguing question originated from Polarisation and Dielectrics in portion Refractories & Dielectric Materials of Engineering Material & Metallurgy

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) 0.18 * 10^-40 Fm^2

To explain I would say: The constant of proportionality of electric dipole moment is defined as electric polarizability. The polarizability increases with increasing volume of the atom. The electric polarizability of helium is 0.18 * 10^-40 Fm^2 and has the value of 0.35 * 10^-40, Fm^2 1.43 * 10^-40 Fm^2, and 3.54 * 10^-40 Fm^2 for neon, argon, and xenon in that order.