ELM-003 · Electrostatics Sample material

Conductors, capacitors and dielectrics

Conductors in an electric field and electrostatic induction, the capacitance of an isolated conductor and of capacitors, connecting capacitors, the energy of the electric field and its density, polarization of dielectrics and the polarization vector.

Estimated time: 3 h 5 activities

Learning objective

Explain the conditions of electrostatic equilibrium of conductors and the phenomenon of electrostatic induction.
Derive and apply the capacitance formulas of an isolated conductor and of various capacitors.
Learn to calculate the energy of a charged capacitor and the energy density of the electric field.
Master the mechanisms of dielectric polarization and the meaning of the polarization vector and permittivity.

Expected outcomes

Can explain the distribution of field and charge inside and on the surface of a conductor.
Can calculate the capacitance of parallel-plate, spherical and cylindrical capacitors and of series and parallel combinations.
Can find the energy of a capacitor and the field energy density and analyse how they change when a dielectric is inserted.
Can solve problems linking the polarization vector, dielectric susceptibility and permittivity.

Interactive modelParallel-plate capacitor and dielectric

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Solving problems on conductors in an electric field and the capacitance of conductors
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Polarization of dielectrics
Self-study · 6 h · optional
Calculation of the energy of the electric field
Self-study · 6 h · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Solving problems on conductors in an electric field and the capacitance of conductors
  • Final test — at least 70%