Capacitance and Dielectrics

A series of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to capacitance and dielectrics.

Capacitance

The ability of a capacitor to store charge, defined by the equation C = (ε₀ A)/d.

Dielectric Constant (κ)

A constant that characterizes the ability of a dielectric material to increase the capacitance of a capacitor, defined as C = κ C₀.

Electric Field (E)

A field around charged particles that exerts a force on other charged particles, defined by E = V/d.

Charge (Q)

The stored electrical charge on the capacitor's plates, defined by the relationship Q = C V.

Voltage (V)

The electric potential difference across the capacitor, which drives the movement of charge.

Charging a Capacitor

The process of applying a potential difference to a capacitor, causing electrons to move from one plate to another until equilibrium is achieved.

Energy Stored (U)

The energy stored in a capacitor when charged, given by U = 1/2 Q²/C or U = 1/2 C V².

Insulator

A material that does not allow free movement of electrons, causing electrons to remain bound to their respective atoms.

Electric Dipole

A pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a small distance, characteristic of the atomic structure of insulators.

Energy Density (u)

The energy stored per unit volume in an electric field, expressed as u = 1/2 κ ε₀ E².

Capacitance Formula

The formula relating capacitance, area of the plates, and distance between them: C = (ε₀ A)/d.

Potential Difference (ΔV)

The difference in electric potential between two points, important for calculating voltage across capacitor plates.