Dielectrics
A dielectric is another name for an insulator (non-conductor)
Dielectrics can polarize in the presence of an electric field
- distribute charges nonuniformly
Capacitor with a dielectric inside
- dielectric sets up an offsetting distribution of charges when field is turned on
Capacitance is increased
- C = Q/(V/e) = e C0
- same charge on each plate, but potential difference is smaller
- e is the dielectric constant (e > 1 )