An electric field,E,is applied to a dielectric.Which of the following statements is true?
A)The electric field within the dielectric is less than E.
B)The dielectric produces an electric field in the opposite direction to E.
C)The molecules in the dielectric become polarized.
D)The electric field will produce a torque on molecules in dielectrics which have permanent dipoles.
E)All the above statements are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All the statements are true regarding the behavior of a dielectric in an electric field. The electric field within the dielectric is reduced due to the opposing field created by the polarization of the dielectric (A and B). The molecules in the dielectric become polarized, aligning themselves with the external field, which can produce a torque on molecules with permanent dipoles (C and D).

An Electric Field,E,is Applied to a Dielectric