Dielectric
Definition
A dielectric is an insulating material that can be placed between the plates of a capacitor to increase its capacitance. It reduces the electric field inside the capacitor, allowing for more charge to be stored.
Analogy
Think of a dielectric as a cushion or padding between two metal plates in a capacitor. Just like how a cushion increases comfort by reducing pressure, a dielectric increases capacitance by reducing the electric field.
Related terms
Capacitance: Capacitance is the ability of a capacitor to store electrical energy. It depends on factors such as plate area, distance between plates, and the presence of a dielectric.
Farad: The farad is the unit of measurement for capacitance. It represents one coulomb of charge stored per volt across the capacitor.
Electric Field: The electric field is a region around charged objects where they exert forces on other charged objects. In capacitors, the presence of a dielectric reduces this field strength.
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