Abstract
Starting from a classical problem of a college textbook (the half-filled capacitor with two dielectrics), we propose a new experimental approach that is used to determine the static dielectric constant of a liquid (hexane). Called capacitor-filling technique, it consists in measuring the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with different volumes of dielectric and allows the elimination of errors caused by the parasitic capacitance. Since this project have been elaborated from a textbook problem, we have commented on the possibility that this experiment, and the underlying reflections, could serve to elaborate a methodological proposal aiming at the formation of experimental researchers in areas like physics, chemistry, and engineering. The proposal is supported on project-based learning methodology and brings potentialities for the reformulation of basic physics courses through the enhancement of the integration between theory and practice. Finally, considerations are made regarding the skills and competencies developed by the student who participated in the research.
Keywords:
Dielectric constant; Capacitor filling technique; Project based learning
