Question

The dielectric constant (k) of silver is

• A. \( k = 0 \)
• B. \( k = +1 \)
• C. \( k = -1 \)
• D. \( k = \infty \) (infinity)

Hint:

The dielectric constant of metals is effectively zero because metals have free electrons that screen electric fields.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Dielectric Constant.
The dielectric constant (also called the relative permittivity) of a material is a measure of its ability to insulate charges from each other. In general, materials with high dielectric constants are better insulators. Metals, however, behave differently when it comes to dielectric constants.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) \( k = 0 \): The dielectric constant of metals like silver is 0 because metals have free electrons that screen electric fields, preventing the material from polarizing in response to an external electric field.
- (B) \( k = +1 \): A dielectric constant of +1 is characteristic of vacuum or air, not silver.
- (C) \( k = -1 \): The dielectric constant cannot be negative for a stable, passive material. A negative value is not realistic for silver or other materials in this context.
- (D) \( k = \infty \) (infinity): A dielectric constant of infinity is theoretical and typically used to describe idealized dielectric materials that can polarize perfectly in an electric field, which is not true for silver.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct value of the dielectric constant for silver is \( k = 0 \), as it is a metal and does not polarize in response to an electric field. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.