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Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
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Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Dielectrics increase the capacitance of a capacitor by allowing more charge to be stored.
B
Inserting a dielectric causes the electric field inside the capacitor to increase.
C
The breakdown electric field is the maximum electric field that a dielectric can withstand before becoming conductive.
D
Dielectrics do not affect the flow of current in a circuit.
E
The presence of a dielectric reduces the voltage across the capacitor for a given charge.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
Dielectrics lower the electric field inside the material because the induced dipoles partially cancel the external field, which is why a capacitor with a dielectric has a larger capacitance. The polarization of a dielectric creates bound charges that reduce the net field, but the total electric displacement (D) remains continuous across the interface. In a uniform field, the dipoles align with the field, storing energy in the material and increasing the system’s capacitance. Thus, statements that a dielectric reduces the internal field, increases capacitance, and produces bound charges are true. Any statement that a dielectric increases the external field or reduces capacitance would be false.
Detailed Explanation
Adding a dielectric lowers the electric field inside a capacitor for a fixed voltage, so it can hold more charge, which raises its capacitance. Other options are incorrect because Students often think that putting a material inside the capacitor pushes charges together, raising the field; A dielectric is an insulator, so it does not let current flow directly.
Key Concepts
Dielectric Materials
Capacitance
Electric Field
Topic
Electric Field Effects on Charge
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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Test your understanding with related questions
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