All Flashcards
What are the steps of how a capacitor works?
- Apply voltage → charge accumulates on plates. 2. Electric field forms between plates. 3. Capacitance (C) measures how much charge (Q) it can store for a given voltage (V): Q = CV
How do dielectrics increase capacitance?
Molecules polarize in the electric field, reducing the field strength, which increases charge storage capacity.
What are the differences between a conductor and an insulator?
Conductor: High conductivity, many free electrons. Insulator: Low conductivity, few free electrons.
What are the differences between Capacitance and Charge?
Capacitance: A property of the capacitor. Charge: What the capacitor stores.
What are the differences between polar and non-polar dielectrics?
Polar dielectrics: Have permanent dipoles that align easily, increasing capacitance further. Non-polar dielectrics: Do not have permanent dipoles.
How do conductors and dielectrics differ in terms of their electrical properties?
Conductors: Have free electrons. Dielectrics: Polarize to reduce electric fields.
What are the steps for a capacitor to store charge?
- Apply voltage. 2. Charge accumulates on plates. 3. Electric field forms between plates.
How does a dielectric increase capacitance?
- Polarization of molecules in the electric field. 2. Reduction of the electric field strength. 3. Increased charge storage capacity.