Question

Define dielectric constant. Write the dielectric constant value of copper.

Answer 1

Hint: Dielectric constant is also called the relative permittivity of a substance. It is the property of a substance that affects the force acting between two charges present in a medium filled with the substance. Dielectric constant is a fixed value for different materials or substances. Greater the dielectric constant greater the force acting between the two charges.

Complete step by step solution:
Dielectric constant or the relative permittivity is the ratio of permittivity of a material with respect to the permittivity of vacuum.
Permittivity is the property of a material that affects the Coulomb force between two-point charges in the material. Relative permittivity on the other hand is the factor by which the electric field between the charges is decreased relative to vacuum.
The dielectric constant or the relative permittivity of air is approximately one. Material with higher dielectric constant compared to air are substances in which the force acting between the two charges is greater compared to air.
The dielectric constant of a material is used in making a capacitor. The material is chosen based on the requirements needed for the capacitance.
Dielectric constant of copper is close to infinite.

Note: Dielectric constant definitely depends on the conductivity of the material. A good conductor (like metals) has a dielectric constant as large as infinite. This is because of the presence of a large number of free electrons in the material. Whereas insulators have a relatively lower dielectric constant. We can also see from the name that dielectric constant is related to electric force or electric flow.