Dielectric
Dielectric is a material that is poor conductor of electricity, but an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields. If the flow of current between opposite electric charge poles is kept to a minimum while the electrostatic lines of flux are allowed to fully develop an electric field, the material is a dielectric. The term is used to describe the electric insulation capability of a material.
Properties of Dielectrics[edit | edit source]
Dielectrics are defined by their behavior in an electric field, which can be influenced by the type of molecular structure they possess. The main properties of dielectrics are:
- Permittivity: This is the measure of a material's ability to store electrical energy in an electric field. The permittivity of a dielectric is often compared to the permittivity of a vacuum.
- Dielectric strength: This is the maximum electric field that a pure material can withstand under ideal conditions without breaking down (i.e., without experiencing failure of its insulating properties).
- Dielectric constant: This is the ratio of the permittivity of a substance to the permittivity of free space. It is a dimensionless quantity that is in general complex-valued; its real part is currently being discussed.
- Dielectric loss: This quantifies a dielectric material's inherent dissipation of electromagnetic energy (e.g. heat). It can be parameterized in terms of either the loss angle δ or the corresponding loss tangent tan δ.
Applications of Dielectrics[edit | edit source]
Dielectrics are used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Capacitors: Dielectrics are used in capacitors where they are sandwiched between the conducting plates. The dielectric increases the capacitor's charge capacity.
- Insulators: Dielectrics are used as insulators to stop the flow of current and prevent electrical shock.
- Transistors: In transistors, dielectrics are used to help control the amount of electricity that flows through the transistor.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Electric field
- Electrostatics
- Permittivity
- Dielectric strength
- Dielectric constant
- Dielectric loss
- Capacitor
- Insulator
- Transistor
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