Dielektriin

Dielektriin is a term sometimes used in physics, particularly in older or specialized literature, to refer to a dielectric material. Dielectric materials are electrical insulators, meaning they do not conduct electric current easily. When placed in an electric field, the constituent atoms or molecules of a dielectric material become polarized. This means that the positive and negative charges within the material shift slightly relative to each other, creating an internal electric field that opposes the external field. This opposition reduces the overall electric field strength within the material.

The ability of a dielectric material to store electrical energy is quantified by its permittivity. Permittivity is a measure of how easily an electric field can be established in a material. A higher permittivity indicates a greater ability to polarize and thus store electrical energy. The dielectric constant, a dimensionless quantity, is often used to compare the permittivity of a material to that of a vacuum. Dielectric materials are essential components in many electrical devices, such as capacitors, where their insulating properties and ability to store charge are critical for operation. Examples of dielectric materials include ceramics, glass, rubber, and many plastics.