All Flashcards
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.
Define 'dielectric'.
An 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 that indicates how much a material can be polarized; the higher the k, the more it boosts capacitance.
Define 'polarization' in the context of dielectrics.
The alignment of molecules in a dielectric material when placed in an electric field, creating a layer of opposite charge on the surface.
What is in the context of capacitance?
is the capacitance of a capacitor without a dielectric material.
Define capacitance.
The ability of a component or circuit to collect and store energy in the form of an electrical charge.
Cause: Inserting a dielectric into a capacitor.
Effect: Increases the capacitance by allowing more charge to be stored at the same voltage.
Cause: Polarization of a dielectric material.
Effect: Creates a layer of opposite charge on the surface, attracting more charge onto the capacitor plates.
Cause: Increased dielectric constant (k)
Effect: Greater boost in capacitance.
Cause: Reduction of the electric field between capacitor plates due to polarization.
Effect: Allows for more charge to be stored at a given voltage, increasing capacitance.
Cause: Removing a dielectric from a charged capacitor disconnected from a battery.
Effect: The potential difference between the plates increases.
Cause: Inserting a dielectric into a charged capacitor disconnected from a battery.
Effect: The potential difference across the capacitor decreases.