Energy Stored leading to Dielectric breakdown

In summary, to store 4J of energy in a cavity, the dielectric strength of the new gas filling the cavity must be able to withstand a field of 6 kV/mm without breaking down, according to the equation U=1/2(epsilon)E^2.
  • #1
HPRF
32
0

Homework Statement



A cavity can only store 1J of EM energy as it reaches dielectric breakdown at 3kV/mm. What dielectric strength would a new gas filling the cavity have if the energy stored was to be 4J.

Homework Equations



U=[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex](epsilon)E2

The Attempt at a Solution



I would use the above equation to find the E field that would result in 4J of energy stored. Can anyone tell me if this is the correct approach to answering this question?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That's the correct approach. The energy scales as the E-field squared, so quadrupling the energy doubles the required E-field, so the gas dielectric must be able to withstand a field of 6 kV/mm without breaking down.
 

1. What is energy stored leading to dielectric breakdown?

Energy stored leading to dielectric breakdown refers to the amount of electrical energy that is stored in a material, such as an insulator or dielectric, before it breaks down and allows electricity to flow through it.

2. What causes dielectric breakdown?

Dielectric breakdown occurs when the electrical field strength within a material becomes too high, causing the material to lose its insulating properties and allowing electricity to flow through it.

3. How is energy stored in a dielectric material?

Energy is stored in a dielectric material when an electric field is applied to it. The energy is stored in the form of electric potential energy, which is the energy needed to separate the positive and negative charges within the material.

4. What are the effects of dielectric breakdown?

Dielectric breakdown can cause damage to electronic devices and circuitry, as well as pose a safety hazard. It can also lead to power outages and other disruptions in electrical systems.

5. How can dielectric breakdown be prevented?

To prevent dielectric breakdown, materials with high dielectric strength can be used, or the voltage and current levels can be carefully controlled to avoid exceeding the breakdown threshold. Insulating materials can also be designed with multiple layers to increase their breakdown strength.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top