In praise of simple models

Abstract

Simple models, in particular those based on Onsager's point dipole in a spherical cavity embedded in a polarizable medium, played an important role in understanding equilibrium and dynamical interaction between solvent polarization and classical reaction kinetics. After a brief review of some crucial results, and an application to the interaction of fluctuating polarization field on a classical dipolar oscillator, I investigate the applicability of a similar simple model to quantum-classical interactions. Interesting differences with a fully classical system occur in equilibrium situations, and some fundamental problems with commonly used dynamical approaches are indicated. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.