The Temperature Dependence of the Relaxation Time of Polarizations in Ice

Measurements of the dielectric constant of ice were extended to lower frequencies than had been used in previous investigations. The present results show no indication of an abrupt disappearance of the polarization responsible for the high dielectric constant of ice at any temperature above −139° C. They are inconclusive as to whether the static dielectric constant increases or decreases with decreasing temperature, though some indications of an increase with decreasing temperature were observed. The main effect appears to be an exponential increase of the relaxation time of the polarized condition in the dielectric with decreasing temperature, starting at about 2 × 10 −5 sec. at −0.8° C. and increasing to about 20 sec. at −139° C. The question as to the nature of the polarization responsible for the large dielectric constant of ice still remains open. The observed characteristics of the polarization could be attributed equally well to a polarization due to polar molecules which are free to assume any (or several) orientations, or to one due to the distortion by the field of some parts of the crystalline structure, or to the displacement of ions whose freedom of motion is restricted.