All Flashcards
Define 'dielectric'.
Insulating material that increases capacitance when inserted into a capacitor, allowing more charge to be stored at the same voltage.
What is the dielectric constant (k)?
A value representing how much a material can be polarized; indicates how much the material boosts capacitance.
Define 'polarization' in the context of dielectrics.
The alignment of molecules within a dielectric material in response to an electric field, creating a layer of opposite charge on the surface.
What is ?
Capacitance without a dielectric.
What is the dielectric constant of a vacuum?
1
What does a high dielectric constant indicate?
The material is easily polarized.
Compare the electric field with and without a dielectric.
Without a dielectric, the electric field is stronger. With a dielectric, the induced electric field reduces the overall electric field strength.
Compare the capacitance with and without a dielectric.
Without a dielectric, the capacitance is lower (). With a dielectric, the capacitance is higher ().
Compare the dielectric constant of air and water.
Air has a dielectric constant close to 1 (1.00059). Water has a much higher dielectric constant of 80.
Compare the effect on capacitance of materials with high k vs low k
Materials with high k increase capacitance more than those with low k.
Compare a conductor and a dielectric.
A conductor allows free flow of electrons. A dielectric is an insulator that can be polarized.
Compare the electric field with and without a dielectric.
Without: Stronger electric field. | With: Weaker electric field due to polarization.
Compare capacitance with and without a dielectric.
Without: Lower capacitance. | With: Higher capacitance due to the dielectric constant.
Compare the voltage with and without a dielectric.
Without: higher voltage. | With: lower voltage.