Understanding the Units of Permittivity of Free Space in Coulomb's Law

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In summary, the permittivity of free space has a unit of F/m and plays a significant role in determining the capacitance of a capacitor. It is directly proportional to the area and inversely proportional to the distance between the plates. The units of permittivity can also be derived from the speed of light formula, but may not be as obvious. In Coulomb's law, the formula is most likely 1/(4 pi epsilon), not 1/4 pi epsilon.
  • #1
wasi-uz-zaman
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Hi please tell me physical significance of permittivity of free space, how can we explain its value having unit of F/m
 
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  • #2
Creating a capacitor with "free space" as the dielectric (or any sort of dielectric), the capacitance is proportional with the permittivity, the area (m2) and inverse proportional with the distance between the plates (m). Therefore, to calculate the capacitance, you multiply with the area and divide by the distance - and you end up with the capacitance (in F).
 
  • #3
In a parallel plate capacitor, lines of flux reach across the void to terminate on charges of opposite sign on the opposing plate.
Svein has ably demonstrated the units of ##\epsilon## based on the formula for capacitance, ##C=\epsilon\frac{A}{d}##

The units of ##\epsilon## are not so obvious if you try deconstructing this speed of light formula, ##c=\dfrac 1{\sqrt{\epsilon\mu}}##
 
  • #4
Changing the topic,in coulumbs law
1\4 pi epselon = 9x10^9 but on solving I'm not getting the same
 
  • #5
helter skelter said:
Changing the topic,in coulumbs law
1\4 pi epselon = 9x10^9 but on solving I'm not getting the same
If this is a new topic, you need to start a new thread.

If this is still on the units of permittivity, explain what it is you are trying to solve.

I doubt the formula could be 1\4 pi epsilon. It is almost surely 1/(4 pi epsilon).
 

Related to Understanding the Units of Permittivity of Free Space in Coulomb's Law

What is permittivity of free space?

Permittivity of free space, also known as the electric constant, is a physical constant that describes the relationship between electric fields and electric charges in a vacuum. It is denoted by the symbol ε0 and has a value of approximately 8.854 x 10^-12 farads per meter (F/m).

How is permittivity of free space related to Coulomb's law?

Coulomb's law, which describes the force between two electric charges, includes the permittivity of free space as a constant. It is represented by the equation F = k(q1q2)/r^2, where k is the Coulomb constant and (q1q2)/r^2 is the electric field strength. This shows the direct relationship between permittivity of free space and electric fields.

Why is permittivity of free space important in electromagnetism?

Permittivity of free space is a fundamental constant in electromagnetism that helps to describe the behavior of electric fields and their interactions with electric charges. It is used in many equations and laws, such as Gauss's law and Maxwell's equations, which are essential in understanding and predicting the behavior of electromagnetic waves and fields.

How does the permittivity of a material differ from permittivity of free space?

The permittivity of a material, denoted by the symbol ε, is a measure of how easily a material can be polarized by an electric field. It is usually higher than the permittivity of free space, as the presence of atoms and molecules in a material can affect its ability to be polarized. The relationship between the two is shown by the equation ε = ε0εr, where εr is the relative permittivity or dielectric constant of the material.

Can permittivity of free space be changed?

No, permittivity of free space is a constant that is the same everywhere in the universe. It cannot be changed or manipulated by any external factors. However, the permittivity of a material can be altered by changing its temperature, pressure, or composition.

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