Dielectric Strength | What Is Dielectric Strength

 

Dielectric Strength | What Is Dielectric Strength :- The maximum electric field that a dielectric material can withstand without breaking down is called the dielectric strength of that material.

The potential difference between the plates of the capacitor,

From the above equation, we see that to store a large charge (Q) at a low potential difference (V), the capacitance (C) of the capacitor must be high. If the capacitance (C) is small, the potential difference between the plates will increase, which in turn will increase the electric field between the plates. A high electric field can ionize the surrounding air, and the generated ions will move rapidly toward the oppositely charged plates, causing a reduction in the charge on the plates. Thus, due to the low dielectric strength of the insulating material, the stored charge on the plates will begin to leak.

Therefore, for a capacitor to store more charge, its capacitance should be high so that the potential difference between its plates remains low and the electric field does not reach the dielectric strength.

The dielectric strength and dielectric constant of some materials are given in the table below :-