We analyze and compare several derivations of the Clausius–Mossotti relation that appear in many textbooks. We then present a statistical‐mechanical calculation of the local field for a classical system of harmonic oscillators interacting via the Coulomb potential. We derive the Clausius–Mossotti relation in order to analyze consistently the nature of the approximations used and their range of applicability.

Topics
Dielectric properties, Electrostatics, Electrodynamics, Harmonic oscillator, Educational aids
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© 1982 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1982
American Association of Physics Teachers
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