DIELECTRIC CONSTANT Meaning and
Definition
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The dielectric constant, also known as relative permittivity, is a fundamental parameter used to measure the electrical properties of a material. It quantifies the ability of a substance to store electrical energy in an electric field when subjected to an external voltage. The dielectric constant is defined as the ratio of the electric field strength in a vacuum to the electric field strength in the material. It is denoted by the symbol ε or εr.
The dielectric constant describes the efficiency with which a material can polarize under the influence of an electric field. In simpler terms, it reflects the degree of polarization a material can achieve when subjected to an electrical force. A higher dielectric constant indicates greater polarization capability, meaning the material can store more charge and thus has better insulation and energy storage properties.
Dielectric constants vary significantly between materials, and each substance has its own characteristic value. In general, materials with high polarity, such as water or certain types of ceramics, tend to exhibit higher dielectric constants compared to less polar materials like oils or gases. Dielectric constants play a crucial role in various fields, including electronics, telecommunications, and capacitor design, where the efficiency of energy storage and the transmission of electrical signals are of utmost importance.
Understanding the dielectric constant of materials is essential for optimizing the performance of electronic devices and ensuring proper electrical insulation and signal transmission. Scientists and engineers extensively study and measure dielectric constants to choose the most suitable materials for specific applications.
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The inductive capacity of an insulating medium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIELECTRIC CONSTANT
- sielectric constant
- xielectric constant
- cielectric constant
- fielectric constant
- rielectric constant
- eielectric constant
- duelectric constant
- djelectric constant
- dkelectric constant
- doelectric constant
- d9electric constant
- d8electric constant
- diwlectric constant
- dislectric constant
- didlectric constant
- dirlectric constant
- di4lectric constant
- di3lectric constant
- diekectric constant
- diepectric constant
Etymology of DIELECTRIC CONSTANT
The word "dielectric" is derived from the Greek roots "dia-" meaning "through" or "across" and "ēlectricos" meaning "amber" or "electrum". In ancient times, it was observed that when amber is rubbed with fur, it exhibits an attractive force on light objects, leading to the concept of electricity. "Dialectric" was first used in the 18th century to describe substances that impede the flow of electricity, hence the term "dielectric constant" which refers to the ability of a material to store electrical energy in an electric field.
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