DIELECTRIC CONSTANT
AIM:
To determine the dielectric constant and phase transition temperature of a given dielectric material
APPARATUS:
Dielectric constant apparatus (micrometer attached to parallel plates), capacitor meter, thermocouple,
temperature indicator and variance
PRINCIPLE & FORMULA:
We know that dielectric constant or relative permittivity constant K is ratio of permittivity of material to
free space i.e.,
Experimentally
Where = Capacitance with dielectric medium
A= area, ε= permittivity, d= gap between the plates
and ,
= permittivity of free space
PROCEDURE:
1. Initially take the micrometer reading without specimen and see that plates of the dielectric zig are
touching
2. Connect the capacitance meter to the dielectric zig and see that plates of the zig are not touching.
Select the pF range in the meter.
3. Insert the material between the plates of the zig and note the capatcitance (C1) in the capacitance
meter and corresponding reading on micrometer d1 and also note temperature.
4. Now remove the dielectric material adjust micrometer reading to same d1 and note down
capacitance C0 ( it is free space ) in the capacitance meter.
5. Again insert the dielectric material and switch on the heater and slowly increase the variance
voltage up to 80 volts to increase the temperature. Note down the capacitance C1 for every 10 0C
until to certain temperature.
GRAPH:
1 Draw the graph, taking the temperature on X-axis and capacitance on Y-axis.
2. Note down the temperature from the graph where sudden change of capacitance takes place, which
is called transition temperature.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Least count of screw gauge is = mm
2. Micrometer reading with material (d1) = mm
3. Capacitance without material at room temperature (C0) =
4. Capacitance with material at room temperature (C1)=
CALCULATIONS:
1. Dielectric constant of the material at room temperature
GRAPH:
Tc
RESULT:
1. Dielectric constant (K) of the given material at room temperature =
2. The phase transition temperature of given material (Tc) =
3. Dielectric constant (K) of the given material at phase transition temperature =
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Do not tighten the screw of the micrometer much. Use milled head.
2. Do not short the two terminals of the capacitance meter.
3. Do not press two or more switches of the capacitance meter simultaneously.
4. Do not touch the setup while recording the readings.
Viva-Questions
1.What ia dielectric ? How is it different from a insulator.
2.What is electric polarization.
3.What are the different types of polarizations.
4.Define dielectric constant & What is the effect of temperature on dielectric constant value.
5.What are the important applications of dielectrics.
6.What are ferroelectric ,piezoelectric and pyroelectric materials.
7.Mention few examples for dielectric materials
