How Dielectric Increase the Capacitance of a Capacitor
When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a capacitor, it increases the capacitance of the capacitor. This increase occurs due to the effect of the dielectric material on the electric field and the polarization of the material.
Polarization of Dielectrics
When a dielectric material is placed on the grid of a capacitor, it contains atoms or molecules that can be polarized in the presence of an electric field. An external electric field induces a dipole moment in the atoms or molecules of the dielectric material. It can be seen that the induced dipoles are coupled with the electric field.
Increase in Capacitance
Since capacitance (C) is defined as the ratio of the charge stored on the plates to the potential difference between the plates (Q/V), a decrease in the electric field (E) between the plates leads to an increase in capacitance. Mathematically, capacitance is directly proportional to the permittivity of the material (ϵ) and the area of the plates (A) and inversely proportional to the distance between the plates (d). Then whenever a dielectric material is placed the value of permittivity is affected according to the formula and thus there is increase in capacitance.
Effect of Dielectric on Capacitance
Capacitors use non-conducting materials or dielectric, to store charge and increase capacitance. Dielectrics when placed between charged capacitor plates, it becomes polarized which reduces the voltage across the plate and increases the capacitance. In this article we will explore effect of dielectric on capacitance and basics of capacitor and dielectric. Also, we will discuss effect of dielectric on capacitance derivation, application of dielectric on capacitor and how dielectric increases the capacitance of capacitor. Let’s start our learning on the topic “Effect on Dielectric on Capacitance.”