What does polarization refer to in electrical terms?

Polarization in electrical terms refers to the aligning of charges within a material when it is exposed to an electric field. This phenomenon occurs because the electric field influences the distribution of charges within the material, causing positive charges to move in one direction and negative charges in the opposite direction.

When the electric field is applied, it disturbs the equilibrium of charges, leading to the creation of dipoles within the material. This alignment can enhance the material's dielectric properties, making it more effective in applications such as capacitors. The ability of a material to polarize affects its performance in various electronic and electrical devices, influencing how they function or react in an electric field.

The other options, while they relate to electrical concepts, do not accurately capture the definition of polarization.