Dielectric
Dielectric
Dielectric (/daɪɪˈlɛktrɪk/) is a term used in physics and electrical engineering to describe a type of insulating material that can be polarized by an applied electric field.
Etymology
The term "dielectric" comes from the Greek words "dia" meaning "through" and "elektron" meaning "amber". Amber is a natural dielectric material that was used by the ancient Greeks to generate static electricity.
Definition
A dielectric material is a substance that is a poor conductor of electricity, but an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields. When dielectrics are placed in an electric field, practically no current flows in them because, unlike metals, they have no loosely bound, or free, electrons that may drift through the material.
Properties
Dielectric materials are characterized by their dielectric constant, dielectric loss, dielectric strength, and dielectric dispersion. These properties are important in many practical applications, such as the design of capacitors and radio frequency (RF) transmission lines.
Applications
Dielectric materials are used in a wide range of applications, including capacitors, insulators, and as a material in many types of electronic equipment. They are also used in the production of radio waves and microwaves.
Related Terms
- Capacitor: A device that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
- Insulator: A material whose internal electric charges do not flow freely.
- Permittivity: The measure of a material's ability to store electrical energy in an electric field.
- Polarization: The property of wave that can oscillate with more than one orientation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dielectric
- Wikipedia's article - Dielectric
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