In this work we explore the didactic potential of a model for description of dielectric polarization which is based on the dynamics of a damped oscillator. This model can be used as an example of application of the elementar knowledge in the description of complex physical systems. In order to illustrate the dynamics of an electric dipole subject to action of dissipative forces, we consider the analysis of the movement of a compass needle subjected to the action of a harmonic magnetic field. Based on data generated for a set of four compass, we reproduced qualitatively the main virtue of the model that was to describe the two absorption maxima observed in some dielectric substances.
damped and forced harmonic oscillators; dielectric polarization; tracker
