Parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectrics in between

In summary, when considering a parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectric between its plates, gauss's law states that the surface charge density on the plates is equal to the displacement field inside all dielectric layers. However, at the interfaces between dielectrics, there are boundary conditions that state the difference in displacement field is equal to the bound charge density. This contradicts the fact that the displacement field must be the same inside all dielectrics. The resolution to this issue is that the bound charge is not found by the divergence of the displacement field, but rather by the negative divergence of the polarization density. This means that at the interfaces, there is no free charge present, only bound charge.
  • #1
ShayanJ
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Consider a parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectric between its plates somehow that the interfaces between them are parallel to the plates of the capacitor. If the surface charge density on the plates of the capacitors be [itex] \sigma [/itex] , gauss's law gives [itex] D=\sigma [/itex] which is the same inside all dielectric layers.
But as boundary conditions for interfaces between dielectrics, we have [itex] | D_i-D_j |=\sigma_b^{ij} [/itex] and the fact that the displacement field is the same inside all dielectrics, gives [itex] \sigma_b^{ij} =0 [/itex]. But I know that there should be a surface density of bound charges on the interfaces which tells me something is wrong in the above argument.
What is that?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
The divergence of the displacement field gives you the free charge, not the bound charge. So the continuity of the normal displacement field tells you that there is no free charge at the interface, not bound charge.

The bound charge is the negative divergence of the polarization density, the difference between the vacuum displacement field and the displacement field.
 

1. What is a parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectrics in between?

A parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectrics in between is a type of capacitor that consists of two parallel plates separated by one or more layers of insulating materials, known as dielectrics. This design allows for a higher capacitance value compared to a standard parallel plate capacitor.

2. How does a parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectrics in between work?

The layers of dielectrics in between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor act as insulators, preventing the flow of electric current between the plates. This creates an electric field between the plates, resulting in the accumulation of electric charge on each plate. The greater the number of dielectric layers, the stronger the electric field and the higher the capacitance.

3. What are the advantages of using a parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectrics in between?

One advantage is that it allows for a larger capacitance in a smaller physical size compared to a standard parallel plate capacitor. This makes it useful in applications where space is limited. Additionally, the use of dielectric layers can increase the breakdown voltage of the capacitor, making it more resilient to high voltages.

4. What types of materials can be used as dielectrics in a parallel plate capacitor?

Common dielectric materials used in parallel plate capacitors include air, paper, mica, ceramic, and various types of plastic. The choice of dielectric material depends on factors such as the desired capacitance, operating voltage, and temperature range.

5. How is the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectrics in between calculated?

The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with layers of dielectrics in between can be calculated using the formula C = εA/d, where C is the capacitance in farads, ε is the permittivity of the dielectric material, A is the area of the plates in square meters, and d is the distance between the plates in meters. The permittivity of the dielectric material is a measure of its ability to store electric charge and varies depending on the type of material used.

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