Dielectric Concept

Demonstrations in Dielectric

Projection electroscope with capacitor plates mounted on top via cross clamps and rod, ring stand to the left, on green bench surface

Capacitor 1

Shows that inserting a dielectric between charged, isolated capacitor plates reduces the voltage (visible as decreased electroscope deflection) while charge remains constant. Reinforces and demonstrates why dielectric materials increase capacitance.
Parallel plate capacitor with circular metal plates mounted vertically on a rail base, connected via red and black leads to a BK Precision Model 830A autoranging capacitance meter reading 43.0 pF

Dielectrics

Students observe real-time capacitance changes as different dielectric materials (acrylic, wood, Teflon, Bakelite) are inserted between parallel plates connected to a capacitance meter. Demonstrates the relationship and how material properties …
BK Precision 830A capacitance meter displaying 3.42 nF, connected to parallel plate capacitor with circular aluminum plates and empty freezer bag between them, black 2 kg mass behind movable plate, on green surface
Safety

Water Dielectric

Water is poured into a bag between parallel capacitor plates while a meter displays the capacitance in real time. Students watch the reading climb dramatically, providing direct evidence that dielectric …
Two black-and-white photos: top shows close-up of beam balance with parallel plate capacitor and guard ring assembly; bottom shows full apparatus on a table with high-voltage power supply connected to the balance
Safety

Force Between Charged Capacitor Plates

Quantitatively measures the electrostatic attractive force between parallel capacitor plates using a beam balance. Demonstrates that the force is proportional to and connects abstract field concepts to measurable mechanical quantities.