Transition of Electric field and potential between media

In summary, the main difference between transitions from electric fields is that Conductive to Conductive media have constant potential and changing electric fields, while Dielectric to Dielectric media have continuous potential and changing electric fields. For Dielectric/Conductive media, the potential must be continuous and the electric field changes by the amount of surface charge. When a metal is considered as a dielectric with infinite dielectric constant, the boundary conditions require continuous potential and no change in electric field. Equations can be used to further analyze and explain this behavior.
  • #1
Gavroy
235
0
I am interested in the main difference between transitions from electric fields from Conductive to Conductive/ Dielectric to Dielectric and Dielectric/Conductive media.

What are the boundary conditions that an Electric field and a potential has to fulfill?
I think I only know it for dielectric to dielectric media, where the potential has to be continuous and the electric field changes by the amount of surface charge.

Could somebody comment on the behavior and maybe use or refer to some equations?
 
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  • #2
Take the metal as a dielectric whose dielectric constant approaches infinity. What boundary conditions do you get in this limit?
 

FAQ: Transition of Electric field and potential between media

1. What is the transition of electric field and potential between media?

The transition of electric field and potential between media refers to the change in the strength and direction of an electric field and potential as it crosses the boundary between two different materials. This change is due to the different properties of the materials, such as their dielectric constants and conductivity.

2. Why does the electric field and potential change when crossing between two media?

The electric field and potential change when crossing between two media because of the different properties of the materials. When an electric field encounters a material with a different dielectric constant, it causes a change in the polarization of the material and thus a change in the electric field. Similarly, the conductivity of a material affects the flow of charges and thus the potential across the boundary.

3. How is the transition of electric field and potential calculated?

The transition of electric field and potential can be calculated using the boundary conditions for electric fields and potentials. These include the continuity of electric flux and the continuity of electric potential. By applying these conditions at the boundary between two media, the change in electric field and potential can be determined.

4. What are some real-life examples of the transition of electric field and potential between media?

One example of the transition of electric field and potential between media is when a light ray passes from air into water. The change in the refractive index of the two media causes a change in the direction and speed of the light ray. Another example is the electric field and potential changes in a capacitor with a dielectric material inserted between its plates.

5. How does the transition of electric field and potential affect the behavior of electric circuits?

The transition of electric field and potential between media can greatly affect the behavior of electric circuits. For example, a change in the electric field and potential can cause a change in the capacitance of a circuit, which can affect its overall performance. Additionally, the different properties of materials can also lead to the generation of electric fields and potentials, which can impact the behavior of a circuit.

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