Dielectric constant K

The ratio of the permittivity \( \varepsilon \) of the material to the permittivity \( \varepsilon_0 \) of free space (8.85419 x 10-12 Coulomb/N-m2).

\begin{align} \label{eq:11901a} K = \frac{\varepsilon}{\varepsilon_0} \end{align}

For a dielectric material, the dielectric constant determines, in part, the charge that can be induced by an applied electric field.

Also called "relative dielectric constant" or "relative permattivity'.

See permittivity.