Susceptibility
Encyclopedia
- In physics, the susceptibility of a material or substance describes its response to an applied field. There are many kinds of susceptibilities, for example:
- Magnetic susceptibilityMagnetic susceptibilityIn electromagnetism, the magnetic susceptibility \chi_m is a dimensionless proportionality constant that indicates the degree of magnetization of a material in response to an applied magnetic field...
- Electric susceptibilityElectric susceptibilityIn electromagnetism, the electric susceptibility \chi_e is a dimensionless proportionality constant that indicates the degree of polarization of a dielectric material in response to an applied electric field...
These two susceptibilities are particular examples of a linear response function
Linear response function
A linear response function describes the input-output relationship of a signal transducer such as a radio turning electromagnetic waves into music or a neuron turning synaptic input into a response...
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sometimes the terms susceptibility and linear response function are used interchangeably.
- In electromagnetic compatibilityElectromagnetic compatibilityElectromagnetic compatibility is the branch of electrical sciences which studies the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy with reference to the unwanted effects that such energy may induce...
(EMC), susceptibility is the sensitivity of a device's function to incoming electromagnetic interferenceElectromagnetic interferenceElectromagnetic interference is disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source. The disturbance may interrupt, obstruct, or otherwise degrade or limit the effective performance of the circuit...
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- In medicine:
- Susceptible individualSusceptible individualIn epidemiology a susceptible individual is a member of a population who is at risk of becoming infected by a disease, or can not take a certain medicine, antibiotic, etc if he or she is exposed to the infectious agent....
- In botanyBotanyBotany, plant science, or plant biology is a branch of biology that involves the scientific study of plant life. Traditionally, botany also included the study of fungi, algae and viruses...
, susceptibility is the extent to which a plant, vegetation complex or ecological community would suffer from a pathogen if exposed, without regard to the likelihood of exposure. It should not be confused with "vulnerability", which taken into account both the effect of exposure and the likelihood of exposure.