Dielectrics

Definition

Insulating materials placed between conducting plates of capacitors that increase their capacitance by reducing the strength of the electric field between them.

Related terms

Polarization:

The process by which positive and negative charges within a dielectric align themselves in response to an external electric field.

Permittivity: A measure of how easily a material can be polarized by an electric field.

Breakdown Voltage:

The minimum voltage required for a dielectric material to lose its insulating properties and allow the flow of current.