
Dielectric relaxation
Dielectric relaxation refers to the process by which a material responds to an electric field. When an electric field is applied, the molecules within a dielectric (insulating) material can become polarized, meaning they align with the field. However, this alignment doesn’t happen instantly; it takes time for the molecules to adjust. Dielectric relaxation describes this time-dependent response, which is influenced by factors like temperature and material properties. Understanding this phenomenon is important in fields such as electronics and materials science, as it impacts the performance of capacitors, insulators, and other devices reliant on electrical energy storage and conduction.