Capacitor with Irregular size dielectric

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    Capacitor Dielectric
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and implications of constructing a capacitor with a dielectric that does not match the size of its conducting plates. Participants explore practical applications and theoretical considerations related to this concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that it is indeed possible to create a capacitor with a dielectric of irregular size compared to the conducting plates.
  • Others question the practical reasons for doing so, asking what advantages such a design might offer.
  • One participant suggests that using a dielectric of irregular size could reduce construction costs by allowing for less stringent tolerances.
  • A later reply introduces a specific application, discussing the use of a car window as a dielectric in a security alarm system, where breaking the glass would alter the capacitance and trigger a circuit.
  • Another participant references capacitive sensing as a related technique, indicating its common use in various applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that constructing a capacitor with an irregular dielectric is possible, but there is no consensus on the practical benefits or specific applications of such a design.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the properties and behavior of dielectrics in capacitors remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve the potential advantages or disadvantages of using irregular dielectrics.

TenJuu
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Is it possible to make a capacitor with a dielectric not of the same size with its conducting plates?
 
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Welcome to the PF. :smile:
TenJuu said:
Is it possible to make a capacitor with a dielectric not of the same size with its conducting plates?
Sure. But can you think of any practical reason why you would WANT to do that? What kind of dielectric change like you suggest would make the capacitor better in some way?
 
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Well it certainly would be cheaper to construct if you don't require tight tolerances...
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Sure. But can you think of any practical reason why you would WANT to do that? What kind of dielectric change like you suggest would make the capacitor better in some way?
We are having research on making a security alarm with low technology. By making the car window as our dielectric and having small conducting plates sandwiching it. When the glass is broke it will cause a change in capacitance thus triggering our circuit.
 

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