What happens to the dielectric in a capacitor when it is charged?

When a capacitor is charged, the dielectric material between the plates undergoes polarization. This polarization occurs because the electric field generated by the charged plates causes the positive and negative charges within the dielectric to align themselves with the field direction. As a result, the dielectric exhibits a dipole moment, where the positive ends of the molecules are attracted towards the negatively charged plate, and the negative ends are attracted towards the positively charged plate.

This polarization enhances the capacitor's ability to store electrical energy, effectively increasing its capacitance. The presence of a dielectric allows the capacitor to store more charge at a given voltage compared to a vacuum or air. Thus, the correct response accurately highlights the role of the dielectric in the functioning of a capacitor.