Why is the electric field inside the dielectric cancelling?

In summary, the conversation discusses the force between the plates of a capacitor when a dielectric is inserted. The question is raised about the direction of the electric field inside the dielectric, with a comparison to a picture provided. The teacher explains that the electric field inside the dielectric is cancelled due to the polarization of the dielectric and the opposite field created inside the other plate. It is then clarified that the fields are in the same direction, leading to the question of what the force on a plate would be in this scenario.
  • #1
Abhishek Das
4
0
So, I was studying force between the plates of a capacitor when a dielectric is inserted.

Here is my question
https://ibb.co/cenvXk
Shouldn't it be like this picture below
https://ibb.co/kOUsCk
So, why is my teacher saying that the electric field inside the dielectric cancelling.
So, what would be the force on a plate then?
 
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  • #2
The reason is that the plate polarises the diaelectric and that creates the oposite field inside the other plate which cancels with the first.
 
  • #3
Insight said:
The reason is that the plate polarises the diaelectric and that creates the oposite field inside the other plate which cancels with the first.
But, they are in same direction
 

Related to Why is the electric field inside the dielectric cancelling?

1. Why is the electric field inside the dielectric cancelling?

The electric field inside a dielectric is cancelling because the dielectric material is made up of polar molecules that can align themselves with an external electric field. When this happens, the electric field created by these aligned molecules is opposite in direction to the external field, resulting in a cancellation of the two fields.

2. How does the dielectric material affect the electric field?

The presence of a dielectric material in an electric field causes the electric field to weaken or decrease. This is because the polar molecules in the dielectric align themselves with the external field, creating an opposing electric field that reduces the overall strength of the external field.

3. What is the role of the dielectric constant in cancelling the electric field?

The dielectric constant, also known as relative permittivity, is a measure of how easily a material can become polarized when placed in an electric field. A higher dielectric constant means the material is more easily polarized, which results in a stronger opposing electric field and a greater cancellation of the external electric field.

4. Does the electric field completely cancel inside a dielectric?

No, the electric field does not completely cancel inside a dielectric. While the presence of the dielectric material does weaken the external electric field, there is still a small residual electric field present inside the dielectric.

5. Can the electric field inside a dielectric be reversed?

Yes, the direction of the electric field inside a dielectric can be reversed. This can happen when the external electric field is strong enough to overcome the opposing electric field created by the polarized molecules in the dielectric. This is known as dielectric breakdown and can result in damage to the dielectric material.

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