There are four main types of electrical polarization mechanisms: electronic, ionic, orientation, and space charge polarization. Electronic polarization occurs when an external electric field causes the nucleus and electron cloud of an atom to displace slightly, inducing a dipole moment. Ionic polarization is similar but occurs in ionic compounds due to displacement of ions from their equilibrium positions. Orientation polarization results from permanent molecular dipoles rotating to align with an applied field. Space charge polarization involves accumulation of charges at interfaces in dielectric materials when an electric field is applied. The total polarization of a material is generally the sum of these different polarization contributions.