The amount of charge a capacitor can store for each volt of potential difference. $C = \frac{Q}{\Delta V}$

A measure of how much a material increases the capacitance of a capacitor when placed between its plates.

A physical constant that represents the ability of a vacuum to permit electric fields. Its value is 8.85 × 10⁻¹² F/m.

The energy stored in a capacitor due to the separation of charge on its plates.

Two conductive plates separated by a small distance, used to store charge and energy.

Without Dielectric: Capacitance depends only on plate area and separation. | With Dielectric: Capacitance is increased by a factor of the dielectric constant.

Inside: Uniform, constant magnitude and direction (except near edges). | Outside: Ideally zero, but practically negligible.

Capacitor: Stores energy electrostatically, releases quickly. | Battery: Stores energy chemically, releases more slowly.

Increasing Plate Area: Increases capacitance directly. | Decreasing Plate Separation: Increases capacitance inversely.

Without Dielectric: Electric field depends on charge and plate area. | With Dielectric: Electric field is reduced due to polarization of the dielectric.

1. Identify the dielectric constant (κ). 2. Measure the area of one plate (A). 3. Measure the distance between plates (d). 4. Use the formula: $C = \kappa \varepsilon_{0} \frac{A}{d}$

1. Determine the charge (Q) on the capacitor and the potential difference (ΔV) across it, OR determine the capacitance (C) and the potential difference (ΔV). 2. Use the formula: $U_{C} = \frac{1}{2} Q \Delta V$ OR $U_{C} = \frac{1}{2} C (\Delta V)^2$

1. Determine the charge (Q) on each plate. 2. Identify the dielectric constant (κ). 3. Measure the area of one plate (A). 4. Use the formula: $E_{C} = \frac{Q}{\kappa \varepsilon_{0} A}$