Question

What is breakdown voltage formula?

Answer 1

The **breakdown voltage** (also known as **critical voltage**) is the voltage at which a material (typically an insulating material) begins to conduct electricity. In other words, when the electric field in the material exceeds a certain threshold, the material becomes conductive, and current starts to flow through it, causing an electrical breakdown.

For a **dielectric breakdown** in an insulating material, the breakdown voltage is generally related to the **dielectric strength** of the material and its **thickness**.

The formula for **breakdown voltage** \(V_{bd}\) can be expressed as:

\[
V_{bd} = E_{bd} \cdot d
\]

Where:

- \(V_{bd}\) = Breakdown voltage (in volts)
- \(E_{bd}\) = Dielectric strength of the material (in volts per meter or V/m)
- \(d\) = Thickness of the insulating material (in meters)

### Explanation:
- **Dielectric strength** (\(E_{bd}\)) is a measure of how much electric field a material can withstand before it breaks down. It is typically given in units of V/m.
- **Thickness** (\(d\)) is the distance the electric field has to travel through the insulating material (in meters).

So, the breakdown voltage is the product of the material's dielectric strength and its thickness.

For example, if a material has a dielectric strength of 10,000 V/m and the thickness of the material is 0.01 meters, the breakdown voltage would be:

\[
V_{bd} = 10,000 \, \text{V/m} \times 0.01 \, \text{m} = 100 \, \text{V}
\]

This means the material will break down and start conducting electricity at 100 V across that thickness.

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