Question

electrical properties of a material breakdown may at _______.

Answer 1

High temperature

Answer 2

Explanation of the solution:

Electrical breakdown refers to the point where a material loses its insulating properties and becomes electrically conductive. This phenomenon is significantly influenced by temperature. At high temperatures:

1. Increased charge carrier generation: More electrons gain sufficient thermal energy to break free from their atomic bonds and become mobile charge carriers.

2. Increased charge carrier mobility: Free charge carriers move more easily through the material due to increased kinetic energy.

3. Thermal degradation: Many insulating materials (especially polymers) undergo chemical and physical degradation at elevated temperatures. This can lead to changes in their molecular structure, carbonization, melting, or softening, creating conductive pathways and reducing their dielectric strength.

4. Reduced dielectric strength: The material's ability to withstand an electric field without breaking down decreases as temperature rises.

Therefore, the electrical properties of a material, particularly its insulating capability, are prone to breakdown at high temperatures.