Dielectric is the name given to any medium through or across which electrostatic induction can take place. The application of an electric field to a dielectric results only in a displacement of electric charge within the material, due to the molecules becoming polarized and orientating themselves in the direction of the electric field. Faraday first showed that electrostatic induction was not action at a distance, but took place by means of the insulating medium separating the two conductors. The medium he named a dielectric, and measured its specific inductive capacity by taking that of common air as unity. Research Dielectric
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
SciTech
Research Dielectric
