Introduction to SAT II Physics

The Greek letter is called the dielectric constant, and it varies from material to
material. For all materials, > 1.
For a parallel-plate capacitor, the reduction in E means that is also reduced by a
factor of. Then, since C = Q/ , we find that:

If the potential difference across the capacitor is too large, then the electric field will be so
strong that the electrons escape from their atoms and move toward the positive plate.
This dielectric breakdown not only discharges the capacitor, but also burns a hole in
the dielectric and ruins the capacitor.

Key Formulas

Ohm’s Law

Resistance

Power

Dissipated

in a

Resistor

Heat

Dissipated

in a

Resistor

Equivalent

Resistance

of Two

Resistors

in Series

Equivalent

Resistance

of Two

Resistors

in Parallel

Stored

Energy of a

Capacitor

Equivalent

Capacitanc

e of Two

Capacitors