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Chapter 16: Q19Q (page 663)

We discussed a method for measuring the dielectric constant by placing a slab of the material between the plates of a capacitor. Using this method, what would we get for the dielectric constant if we inserted a slab of metal (not quite touching the plates, of course)?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The value of dielectric constant of metals is infinite.

Step by step solution

01

Concept/Significance of dielectric.

The dielectric can be formed of a variety of materials, and it has an impact on the capacitor's quality, capacitance, and stability.

02

Determination of dielectric constant when a slab of metal inserted.

A metal is a conductor, it induces a charge on its surface that negates any field inside it. There will be no electric field between the capacitor plates if a metal slab is placed between conductor plates when a dielectric slab placed between plates the electric field will decrease that can be given by,

Edielectric=EK

Here, K is the dielectric constant.

The electric field of metal is given by,

Emeetal=EKEK=0K=E0=∞

Thus, the value of dielectric constant of metals is infinite.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A Student said, “The electric field at the center of a charged spherical shell is zero, so the potential at that location is also zero.” Explain to the student why this statement is incorrect.

LocationsA=<a,0,0>andB=<b,0,0>are on the +x axis, as shown in Figure 16.61. Four possible expressions for the electric field along the x axis are given below. For each expression for the electric field, select the correct expression (1–8) for the potential differenceVA-VB. In each case K is a numerical constant with appropriate units.

(a)E→=<Kx2,0,0>(b)E→=<Kx3,0,0>(c)E→=<Kx,0,0>(b)E→=<Kx,0,0>(1)VA-VB=0(2)VA-VB=K(a-b)(3)VA-VB=K(1a-1b)(4)VA-VB=K(1a3a-1b3b)(5)VA-VB=12K(b2-a2)(6)VA-VB=KIn(ba)(7)VA-VB=K(a3-b3)(8)VA-VB=12K(1a2-1b2)

A thin spherical shell of radius \({R_1}\)made of plastic carries a uniformly distributed negative charge \( - {Q_1}\). A thin spherical shell of radius \({R_2}\)made of glass carries a uniformly distributed positive charge \( + {Q_2}\). The distance between centers is \(L\), as shown in Figure 16.80. (a) Find the potential difference \({V_B} - {V_A}\). Location A is at the center of the glass sphere, and location \(B\) is just outside the glass sphere. (b) Find the potential difference \({V_C} - {V_B}\). Location \(B\) is just outside the glass sphere, and location \(C\) is a distance d to the right of \(B\). (c) Suppose the glass shell is replaced by a solid metal sphere with radius R2 carrying charge \( + {Q_2}\). Would the magnitude of the potential difference \({V_B} - {V_A}\) be greater than, less than, or the same as it was with the glass shell in place? Explain briefly, including an appropriate physics diagram.

What is the difference between electric potential energy and electric potential?

A capacitor with a gap of 1mm has a potential difference from one plate to the other of36V . What is the magnitude of the electric field between the plates?
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