The applied electric field also tends to orient molecular dipole moments so that the dipoles are aligned with the external field However, thermal motions of molecules tend to destroy this alignment An equilibrium polarization is thus established in which there is a net alignment, on the averageThe applied electric field also tends to orient molecular dipole moments, so that the dipoles are aligned with the external field. However, thermal motions of molecules tend to destroy this alignmant. An equilibrium polarization is thus established, in which there is a net alignment, on the average