<P> Although the term insulator implies low electrical conduction , dielectric typically means materials with a high polarizability . The latter is expressed by a number called the relative permittivity . The term insulator is generally used to indicate electrical obstruction while the term dielectric is used to indicate the energy storing capacity of the material ( by means of polarization ) . A common example of a dielectric is the electrically insulating material between the metallic plates of a capacitor . The polarization of the dielectric by the applied electric field increases the capacitor 's surface charge for the given electric field strength . </P>
<P> Although the term insulator implies low electrical conduction , dielectric typically means materials with a high polarizability . The latter is expressed by a number called the relative permittivity . The term insulator is generally used to indicate electrical obstruction while the term dielectric is used to indicate the energy storing capacity of the material ( by means of polarization ) . A common example of a dielectric is the electrically insulating material between the metallic plates of a capacitor . The polarization of the dielectric by the applied electric field increases the capacitor 's surface charge for the given electric field strength . </P>
what is the purpose of a dielectric material used in a capacitor
what is the purpose of a dielectric material used in a capacitor
insulator
insulator