20 Physics -- Capacitor

Explain the difference between polar and non-polar dielectrics with one example of each .

Explain the difference between polar and non-polar dielectrics with one example of each .

Polar Dielectric:

1. Contains polar molecules that have permanent electric dipole moments.

2. When an electric field is applied, the polar molecules align themselves with the field.

3. Examples: Water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), and hydrogen fluoride (HF).


Non-Polar Dielectric:

1. Consists of non-polar molecules that lack permanent electric dipole moments.

2. They do not align with an applied electric field.

3. Examples: Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and oxygen (O2).


The key difference is that polar dielectrics have molecules with permanent dipole moments, allowing them to align with the electric field, while non-polar dielectrics lack permanent dipole moments and do not align with the electric field.

More questions on Capacitor

Close Open App