What Materials Cannot Use the Electric Potential Energy Law?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applicability of the Electric Potential Energy Law, specifically the equation U=∫D*E, in relation to different materials, particularly ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials. Participants explore the conditions under which this law may not be valid.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a professor mentioning that the Electric Potential Energy Law cannot be applied to certain materials, specifically questioning whether this includes ferroelectric or piezoelectric materials.
  • Another participant suggests that the professor may have referred to the hysteresis effect found in ferromagnetic materials, noting that ferroelectric materials also exhibit a hysteresis effect.
  • A participant questions why the Electric Potential Energy Law cannot be applied to ferroelectric materials.
  • It is noted that the derivation of the D.E form of the law assumes a linear relationship between D (electric displacement) and E (electric field), which does not hold for ferroelectric materials.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific materials that cannot use the Electric Potential Energy Law, with some suggesting ferroelectric materials while others mention ferromagnetic materials. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact conditions and materials involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on the linearity assumption between D and E, which is not applicable to ferroelectric materials. There are also references to hysteresis effects, but the implications for the law's applicability are not fully explored.

stefano colom
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my professor has explained Electric potential energy Law U=∫D*E above all the space. he said you can not use for some kind of materials. l can 't remember if they are Ferroelectricity or piezoelectric materials. then can you say to me the reason too? thank you
 
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Naty1 said:
I'm guessing he might have been alluding to the hysteresis effect of ferromagentic materials.
more here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferroelectricity
There is a hysteresis effect in ferroelectric materials, too.
 
but why couldn't l use for the ferroelectricity materials
 
The derivation of the D.E form requires that the relation between D and E be linear.
It is not for ferroelectric materials.
 

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