- Joined
- Dec 25, 2010
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Hello all,
I'm a bit confused on why dielectrics do what they do. I know that when the electric field of a capacitor exists, the dipoles of a dielectric orient themselves in the direction of the capacitor's electric field and, thus, the dielectric produces an electric field that opposes the capacitor's electric field, reducing what I consider the "effective" value of the capacitor's electric field and increasing the capacitor's capacitance.
What I do NOT understand is what makes wood a stronger dielectric than metal. Is it because there is a greater amount of dipoles in wood which creates a stronger overall electric field in wood to oppose the capacitor's electric field? Or is it that there are similar numbers of dipoles in wood and metal but for some reason the force applied by the electric field in wood is of greater magnitude than in metal? (If that's the case, why is the force greater? Are the magnitude of the charges in wood greater than in metal?)
If you could shed some light on this matter it would be extremely helpful. Thank you!
I'm a bit confused on why dielectrics do what they do. I know that when the electric field of a capacitor exists, the dipoles of a dielectric orient themselves in the direction of the capacitor's electric field and, thus, the dielectric produces an electric field that opposes the capacitor's electric field, reducing what I consider the "effective" value of the capacitor's electric field and increasing the capacitor's capacitance.
What I do NOT understand is what makes wood a stronger dielectric than metal. Is it because there is a greater amount of dipoles in wood which creates a stronger overall electric field in wood to oppose the capacitor's electric field? Or is it that there are similar numbers of dipoles in wood and metal but for some reason the force applied by the electric field in wood is of greater magnitude than in metal? (If that's the case, why is the force greater? Are the magnitude of the charges in wood greater than in metal?)
If you could shed some light on this matter it would be extremely helpful. Thank you!