Two quick questions conerncing potential and dielectric

In summary, the conversation is about electric potentials and dielectrics. The question is whether the potential is steady at x=0 when there is a dielectric in the half space x<0 and air in x>0. The potential does depend on the relative permittivity in the same way as the electric field. The electrostatic potential is continuous at the interface of two media and in this problem, it is the same at x=0 on both sides of the boundary.
  • #1
Lindsayyyy
219
0
Hi everyone,

I have a question about electric potentials and dielelectrics:

1. when I have a dielectri in the half space x<0 and air in x>0 is the potential steady at x=0?

2. does a potential depend on the relative permittivity ?


I know that the electric field gets weaker in a dielectric with 1/epsilon_r but what about the potential? I'm not sure here.

Thanks for your help in advance.
 
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  • #2
1. What electric field is applied?
2. Yes, it does in the same way as electric field.
 
  • #3
lets just talk about a general potential like

[tex] \Phi (\vec r) = \frac {1}{4\pi \epsilon_0} \frac {q}{|\vec r -\vec r_0|}[/tex] for x >0 and for x<0 the same one (+ epsilon_r for the permittivity).

are these potentials steady at x=0 ?
 
  • #4
This is a potential from a point charge. It's value changes along X axis.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
The electrostatic potential is continuous at the interface of two media. In your problem, it is the same at x=0 at both sides of the boundary.

ehild
 
  • #6
thank you very much.
 

Related to Two quick questions conerncing potential and dielectric

1. What is potential?

Potential is a measure of the amount of work required to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to a specific point in an electric field. It is typically measured in volts (V).

2. What is dielectric?

A dielectric is an insulating material that can be placed between two conducting plates to increase the capacitance of a capacitor. It is also commonly referred to as an insulator.

3. How are potential and dielectric related?

The presence of a dielectric material between two conducting plates can increase the potential difference between the plates, thus increasing the capacitance of the capacitor.

4. What is the formula for potential in a capacitor with a dielectric?

The formula for potential in a capacitor with a dielectric is V = Q/C, where V is the potential difference, Q is the charge on the plates, and C is the capacitance.

5. Can a dielectric material have a negative impact on a capacitor?

Yes, a dielectric material can have a negative impact on a capacitor if it has a low dielectric strength or if it becomes damaged, which can lead to a decrease in the capacitance of the capacitor.

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