The phenomenon where the electron clouds of atoms in an insulating material are slightly pulled out of alignment with their nuclei by an applied electric field. This microscopic shifting creates a macroscopic polarization across the dielectric, storing electrical energy. The electric displacement field measures this effect, accounting for both the free charges and the bound polarization charges in the medium.
Heard on the job
The high voltage causes significant charge displacement within the cable insulation.
Also heard as
- electric displacement