All Flashcards
What is the effect of increasing the temperature of a conductor?
Generally, higher temperature leads to lower conductivity (more resistance).
What happens when a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a capacitor?
The capacitance increases, and the voltage across the plates decreases if the charge is constant.
What happens if the voltage applied to a dielectric exceeds its breakdown voltage?
The insulator becomes a conductor, leading to a short circuit.
What is the effect of increasing the thickness of a dielectric material in a capacitor?
Thicker dielectric = lower capacitance.
What is the definition of Conductivity?
How well a material conducts electricity; the opposite of resistance.
What is the definition of Capacitance?
A capacitor's ability to store charge. Measured in Farads (F).
What is the definition of Dielectric Constant (κ)?
How much a material can increase a capacitor's ability to store charge. Higher κ = more storage!
What is the definition of Electric Field?
The force field around a charged object. It's what makes charges move.
What is the definition of Breakdown Voltage?
The voltage at which an insulator becomes a conductor.
What is the definition of Polarization?
How a dielectric's molecules align in an electric field.
What is the definition of Resistance?
Opposition to current flow. Measured in Ohms (Ω).
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.