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Dielectric constant

Definition

The dielectric constant, also known as the relative permittivity, is a measure of how well a material can store electrical energy in an electric field. It quantifies the ability of a material to polarize in response to an applied electric field.

Related terms

Electric susceptibility: This term refers to the extent to which a material can become polarized when subjected to an external electric field.

Permittivity: Permittivity is a measure of how easily electric fields can penetrate through a material. It is related to the dielectric constant but takes into account other factors such as free charges.

Capacitance: Capacitance is a property that describes how much charge can be stored on an object per unit voltage. It depends on both the geometry and dielectric constant of the medium between two conductors.

"Dielectric constant" appears in:

Subjects (1)

  • AP Physics 2

Additional resources (1)

  • AP Physics C: E&M - Unit 2 Overview: Conductors, Capacitors, Dielectrics

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Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.