Permittivity of free space
The permittivity of free space, ε0, is a physical constant used often in electromagnetism. It represents the capability of a vacuum to permit electric fields. It is also connected to the energy stored within an electric field and capacitance. Perhaps more surprisingly, it's fundamentally related to the speed of light. The permittivity of free space, ε0, is defined as:[1]
where
- permeability of free space and is the
- speed of light. is the
An electric field, energy density is:[2]
, in a region of space has field energy associated with it, thatThe energy stored in a capacitor (with no dielectric) is:
where
- is the area of the plates,
- is the distance between the plates
- voltage between the plates. is the
The permittivity of free space can also be used to find the Coulomb force. The constant gives how strong the force is between two charges separated by a distance:[1]
where
- is the Coulomb force,
- and are two charges, and
- is the separation between the charges.
For Further Reading
For further information please see the related pages below:
- Permeability of free space
- Electric field
- Photon
- Capacitor
- Or explore a random page
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hyperphysics. (August 27, 2015). Electric and Magnetic Constants [Online], Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elefie.html
- ↑ Jackson, John David (1998). Classical Electrodynamics (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley. p. 213