All Flashcards
Label the components of a parallel plate capacitor diagram.
1: Positive Plate, 2: Negative Plate, 3: Dielectric (optional), 4: Electric Field Lines
What are the steps for a capacitor to store charge?
- Apply voltage. 2. Charge accumulates on plates. 3. Electric field forms between plates.
How does a dielectric increase capacitance?
- Polarization of molecules in the electric field. 2. Reduction of the electric field strength. 3. Increased charge storage capacity.
What is the effect of increasing the temperature of a conductor?
Generally, higher temperature leads to lower conductivity (more resistance).
What happens when a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a capacitor?
The capacitance increases, and the voltage across the plates decreases if the charge is constant.
What happens if the voltage applied to a dielectric exceeds its breakdown voltage?
The insulator becomes a conductor, leading to a short circuit.
What is the effect of increasing the thickness of a dielectric material in a capacitor?
Thicker dielectric = lower capacitance.