Dielectric constant of a conductor

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a dielectric constant for conductors and provides references for further reading. It can be found in reference books and is discussed in electromagnetic texts, and can also be found in tables for different materials. The conversation also mentions specific examples of conductors with dielectric constants and provides a link to a website with a search function for this property.
  • #1
phymatter
131
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i am reposting this question , earlier it had been deleted assuming it to be a "HOMEWORK QUESTION" ,
well my question is ,
can we define a dielectric constant for a conductor ?? is it conceptually meaningful?? if yes then why and what is it?
 
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  • #2
Yes. You can look up the value of the dielectric constant for conductors in reference books. It is discussed in EM texts.
 
  • #3
In this URL, Maxwell's equations are derived for lossy media with both conductance and dielectric constant
http://pcawte.me.uk/documents/phd-bitmap/phdap1.html
In particular, look at Eq. (A18)- (A20).
The complex propagator, which includes both a dielectric constant and conductance, is presented.

In the following URL, look about 1/4 the way through the paper to find table of dielectric constant and loss tangents (meaning ac lossy or ac conductance) of solids.
http://www.kayelaby.npl.co.uk/general_physics/2_6/2_6_5.html
This table includes plastics, wood, rubbers, minerals, etc.

This table below has a search function that allows combined conductivity and dielectric constant searches. I immediately found silicon and germanium (semi) conductors.
http://www.matweb.com/search/PropertySearch.aspx.
Bob S
 
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FAQ: Dielectric constant of a conductor

What is the dielectric constant of a conductor?

The dielectric constant of a conductor is a measure of the extent to which a material can store electrical energy by separating positive and negative charges. It is represented by the symbol ε and is a dimensionless quantity.

How is the dielectric constant of a conductor determined?

The dielectric constant of a conductor can be determined by performing a capacitance measurement on the material. The capacitance is then compared to the capacitance of a vacuum, which has a dielectric constant of 1, to calculate the dielectric constant of the conductor.

What factors affect the dielectric constant of a conductor?

The dielectric constant of a conductor can be affected by several factors, including the type of material, temperature, and frequency of the electric field. Generally, materials with higher polarizability, such as metals, have higher dielectric constants.

What is the significance of the dielectric constant of a conductor?

The dielectric constant of a conductor plays a crucial role in determining the properties and behavior of electrical circuits. It affects the capacitance, energy storage, and propagation of electric fields in the material. It is also used in the design and analysis of electronic devices.

Can the dielectric constant of a conductor change?

Yes, the dielectric constant of a conductor can change depending on the conditions it is subjected to. For example, the dielectric constant of a material can increase with increasing temperature, or it can decrease if the material undergoes a phase change. It can also vary with different frequencies of the electric field.

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