Question

Define dielectric

Answer 1

A dielectric is a material that is a poor conductor of electricity but an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields. Dielectrics are characterized by their ability to become polarized in the presence of an electric field, meaning that the positive and negative charges within the material shift slightly in response to the field, leading to the storage of electric energy.

Dielectrics are often used in capacitors and other electronic components to separate conductive plates, allowing the device to store electrical energy. Common examples of dielectric materials include air, glass, rubber, plastics, and ceramics. The effectiveness of a dielectric material is often measured by its dielectric constant, which quantifies its ability to store electrical energy in an electric field.