Dielectrics
Definition
Insulating materials placed between conducting plates of capacitors that increase their capacitance by reducing the strength of the electric field between them.
Analogy
Think of dielectrics as noise-canceling headphones. Just like how these headphones reduce external noise interference, dielectrics reduce the strength of the electric field between conducting plates, allowing for increased capacitance without unwanted disturbances.
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.
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