Capacitors and Dielectrics (AP Physics C: E&M) Glossary

Surface charge from molecular polarization.

Voltage at which dielectric fails.

$C = Q/V$. Ability to store charge. SI unit: farad (F).

Insulating material that increases capacitance when placed between plates.

$\kappa$: ratio $C/C_0$. Always $\geq 1$.

Max $E$ before breakdown. V/m.

$\vec{D} = \varepsilon_0\vec{E} + \vec{P}$. Gauss: $\oint\vec{D}\cdot d\vec{A} = Q_\text{free}$.

$u = \tfrac{1}{2}\varepsilon_0 E^2$. J/m$^3$.

SI unit of capacitance. $1$ F $= 1$ C/V.

Mobile charges on conductor plates.

Disconnected from battery. $Q$ fixed.

Side-by-side. Same $V$. $C_{eq} = \sum C_i$.

$\varepsilon = \kappa\varepsilon_0$. Material response to $\vec{E}$.

$\vec{P}$: dipole moment per volume. Creates bound charges.

End-to-end. Same $Q$. $1/C_{eq} = \sum 1/C_i$.