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High School Physics

Dielectric strength

Dielectric strength of a dielectric is the maximum electric field that the dielectric can withstand with its insulating properties intact. In other words, the dielectric strength equals the maximum electric field that can exist in a dielectric without electrical breakdown.

If the magnitude of the electric field in the dielectric exceeds the dielectric strength, then the insulating properties of the dielectric break down and the dielectric begins to conduct. As an example, if the dielectric strength of air is exceeded, sparks appear between the two wires, due to ionization of atoms and recombination with electrons in the air, similar to the process that produced corona discharge.

For a parallel plate capacitor, for any given separation d, the maximum voltage that can be applied to a capacitor without causing a discharge depends on the Dielectric strength of the dielectric.

Maximum voltage: Vmax = Emax. d
=> Vmax = Dielectric strength. d

Physical capacitors have a specification called by a variety of names, including working voltage, breakdown voltage, and rated voltage. This parameter represents the largest voltage that can be applied to the capacitor without exceeding the dielectric strength of the dielectric material in the capacitor.

Consequently, when selecting a capacitor for a given application, you must consider the capacitance of the device along with the
expected voltage across the capacitor in the circuit, making sure that the expected voltage will be smaller than the rated voltage of the capacitor.

Dielectric Constants and Dielectric Strengths of various materials at room temperature – Approximate values

MaterialDielectric Constant KDielectric Strength (106 V/m)
Air (dry)1.000593
Bakelite4.924
Fused quartz3.788
Mylar3.27
Neoprene rubber6.712
Nylon3.414
Paper3.716
Paraffin-impregnated paper3.511
Polystyrene2.5624
Polyvinyl chloride3.440
Porcelain612
Pyrex glass5.614
Silicone oil2.515
Strontium titanate2338
Teflon2.160
Vacuum1
Water80
Table: Dielectric Constants and Dielectric Strengths of various materials at room temperature (Approximate values)
Approximate Dielectric Constants and Dielectric Strengths of various materials at room temperature
figure: Approximate Dielectric Constants and Dielectric Strengths of various materials at room temperature

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