Physics II / Dielectrics and Polarisation
Practice question · Sort into groups

Sort each statement by whether it is true of E\mathbf{E} or of D\mathbf{D}.

Groups: True of E\mathbf{E} · True of D\mathbf{D}

Hints
  1. One field responds to all charge, the other only to free charge.
  2. If D depends only on free charge, inserting a dielectric cannot change it.
Show the answer

True of E\mathbf{E}: Exerts the force on a test charge, Is reduced inside a dielectric at fixed charge

True of D\mathbf{D}: Responds to deliberately placed charge alone, Is unchanged by inserting a dielectric at fixed free charge

Why

E\mathbf{E} responds to every charge, bound included, so it falls inside a dielectric, and it is what pushes a test charge. D\mathbf{D} tracks only free charge, so at fixed free charge it is untouched by the slab.

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