Conductors and Capacitors
PHYS 301 · Module 2
This module studies how charges arrange themselves in conductors and how capacitors store charge and energy. Students examine electrostatic equilibrium, capacitance, dielectrics, and energy stored in electric fields.
Lessons in this module
Conductors in electrostatic equilibrium
In conductors, mobile charges move until electrostatic equilibrium is reached. This lesson explains field-free interiors, surface charge, shielding, and equipotential conductors.
Capacitance and capacitors
Capacitors store separated charge and electric energy. This lesson defines capacitance, derives the parallel-plate formula, and analyzes capacitor combinations.
Dielectrics
Dielectrics are insulating materials that polarize in electric fields. This lesson explains polarization, dielectric constant, capacitance increase, and dielectric strength.
Energy stored in electric fields
Capacitors store energy in their electric fields. This lesson derives capacitor energy formulas and introduces electric field energy density.
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