Question

Explain, using suitable diagrams, the difference in the behaviour of a (i) conductor and (ii) dielectric in the presence of external electric field. Define the terms polarization of a dielectric and write its relation with susceptibility.

Answer 1

dielectric in the presence of external electric field.suitable diagrams, the difference

Answer 2

Answer:

(i) In the presence of electric field, the free charge carriers,in a conductor,move the charge distribution in the conductor re-adjusting itself so that the net electric field within the conductor becomes zero.

(ii) In a dielectric, the external electric field induces a net dipole moment, by stretching/reorienting the molecules. The electric field, due to this induced dipole moment, opposes, but does not exactly cancel, the external electric field.