Electromagnetic Field Theory and Capacitors

Flashcards covering key vocabulary relevant to electromagnetic field theory and capacitors, derived from lecture notes.

Boundary Conditions

Conditions that describe the behavior of electric fields at the interface of two different media.

Joule's Law

The law that states the power dissipated in a resistive medium is proportional to the square of the current flowing through it.

Electric Dipole

A separation of positive and negative charges that creates an electric field.

Dielectric Strength (Eas)

The maximum electric field that a dielectric material can withstand without breakdown.

Capacitance

The ability of a system of conductors to store charge per unit voltage.

Electric Flux Density (D)

A measure of electric field strength in a dielectric, accounting for polarization.

Relative Permittivity (εr)

A measure of how much a dielectric material can store electrical energy compared to vacuum.

Perfect Conductor

A theoretical material where the electric field inside is zero; all external electric fields are canceled.

Polarization Field (P)

The induced electric field density in a dielectric material due to an external electric field.

Breakdown Voltage (Vbr)

The voltage at which a dielectric material becomes conductive.

Electric Field (E)

A physical field produced by electrically charged objects, affecting the force experienced by other charges.

Surface Charge Density (Ps)

The amount of charge per unit area at the surface of a conductor or dielectric.

Permittivity (ε)

A measure of how much electric field is 'permitted' to pass through a medium.

Conducting Slab

A planar conductor that can affect electric fields and boundary conditions.

Homogeneous Conductor

A conductor with a uniform material and electrical properties.

Electric Field Lines

Imaginary lines that represent the direction of the electric field; they show the force exerted on positive charges.

Insulating Material

Non-conducting materials that store electrical charge and affect electric fields.