The ease with which the charge distribution in a molecule can be distorted by an external electrical field is called the _ .
A) polarizability
B) viscosity
C) hydrogen bonding
D) electronegativity
E) volatility

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polarizability refers to the ease with which the electron cloud in a molecule can be distorted by an external electrical field. This causes an uneven distribution of charge within the molecule, leading to a temporary dipole moment. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Viscosity refers to the resistance of a fluid to flow and is not relevant to this question. Hydrogen bonding refers to a specific type of chemical interaction between molecules. Electronegativity refers to the ability of an atom to attract electrons to itself in a chemical bond. Volatility refers to the tendency of a substance to vaporize. None of these choices adequately describe the ease with which a molecule can be distorted by an external electrical field.

The Ease with Which the Charge Distribution in a Molecule