Dielectric Materials
Dielectric materials are a particular class of insulators that polarize when exposed to an electric field. It can support an electrostatic field readily while being a poor conductor of electricity. They exist as gases, liquids, and solids. Components like capacitors and radios use dielectrics. Dielectric materials can also be utilized to store energy when they are set up properly. Although some of these substances are fluids and gases, the majority of these substances are solids by nature.
Types of dielectric materials include,
- Dielectric Gas: Dry Air
- Solid Dielectrics: Mica, Ceramic, Plastic, and Glass
- Dielectric Liquid: Distilled Water
Polar Molecules
Dipolar Polarization, also known as Orientation Polarization, occurs in polar molecules. On the other hand, a polar molecule is endowed with electric dipoles and these dipoles are not induced. Because of the bonds and structure of a polar molecule, this dipole is present. But we are unable to immediately make use of this dipole moment that already exists. A polar material’s dipoles are randomly orientated as a result of thermal agitation. As a result, the material’s molecules’ individual dipole moments cancel out to produce a net dipole moment of zero. However, for various reasons, we also need to apply an electric field in this situation.
Non-Polar Molecules
A molecule without a dipole is referred to as nonpolar. A nonpolar molecule has an even distribution of charges. A dielectric nonpolar material placed into an electric field will be impacted despite the absence of a dipole. Because of their opposing polarities, the positive and negative charges in a nonpolar molecule feel forces in opposite directions in an electric field. A nonpolar molecule’s electron cloud is moved in the direction of attraction by this force. This displacement continues until the internal forces of the molecule balance the attraction of the electric field. Thus, even a nonpolar molecule experiences an induced dipole moment in the presence of an electric field.
Characteristics of Polar and Non-Polar Molecules
A dielectric is an insulator that becomes electrically polarized when an electric field is applied. The dielectric polarization is caused by the charges in a dielectric substance shifting slightly from their equilibrium location without actually moving. We looked at the type of bonds that determine the polarity of molecules in our post on Polar and Non-Polar Material: Dielectric Material and Dipole Moment. The molecules’ electronegativity and atomic configuration determine whether they are polar or nonpolar molecules.
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Free Charges and Bound Charges Inside a Conductor
In a conductor there are two types of charges namely free charges and bound charges. Free charges are those which are not bound to nucleus of an atom and are able to move from one atom to another when they gain energy. However, bound charges are those which are attached inside nucleus and can’t move from one atom to another. The free charges are electrons, which are responsible for flow of electric current and the bound charges are protons, which contribute to the unique properties of conductor.
In this article, we will learn in detail about free and bound charges inside a conductor and their significance.