Physics Chapter 16

capacitor

a device used to store an electric charge, consisting of one or more pairs of conductors separated by an insulator

dielectric constant (k)

a quantity measuring the ability of a substance to store electrical energy in an electric field

dielectric

a sheet of insulating material between the plates. keeps the plates from coming into contact. allows flexible plates of metallic foil to be rolled into a cylinder, giving the capacitor a more compact size

voltage

an electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts.

permittivity of free space (Eo)

is a physical constant equal to approximately 8.85 x 10-12 farad per meter (F/m). It is symbolized o. In general, is symbolized and is a constant of proportionality that exists between electric displacement and electric field intensity in a given medium.

electric potential energy (Ue)

is a potential energy (measured in joules) that results from conservative Coulomb forces and is associated with the configuration of a particular set of point charges within a defined system

electric potential difference ∆V

is the difference in electric potential energy between two points per unit electric charge.

volt (V)

the SI unit of electric potential difference is the joule per coulomb. This unit is named this

electron volt (eV)

the kinetic energy required by an electron (or proton) accelerated through a potential difference, or voltage, of exactly 1V

dielectric permittivity

the ratio of the permittivity of a substance to the permittivity of free space. It is an expression of the extent to which a material concentrates electric flux, and is the electrical equivalent of relative magnetic permeability.

equivalent series capacitance (Cs)

the value of a single capacitor that could replace the series combination and store the same charge at the same voltage.

equipotential surface

the work done to move a charge from any point to any other point is zero since they are at the same potential. Furthermore, are always perpendicular to the net electric field lines passing through it.

Equivalent parallel capacitance (Cp)

would hold the same total charge when connected to the battery