Definition:
The dielectric constant is a measure of a material’s ability to store electrical energy in an electric field.
It is the ratio of the permittivity of the material (ε) to the permittivity of free space (ε0):
Properties:
Capacitance: The dielectric constant affects the capacitance of a capacitor, given by:
where A is the area of the plates and d is the distance between them.
Determination:
Capacitance Measurement: Measuring the capacitance of a capacitor with and without the dielectric material.
Impedance Spectroscopy: Measuring the response of the material to an alternating electric field.
Applications of Dielectric Constant:
Electronics: Design of capacitors and insulating materials.
Material Science: Characterizing the electrical properties of materials.
Telecommunications: Designing components for signal processing.