Coulomb's epsilon zero and its name

In summary, in Coulomb's law, the name "permittivity constant" or "epsilon zero" is used to refer to the ratio between the charge enclosed by a surface and the electric flux through that surface. This term is archaic and pointless, but it is still used in engineering contexts such as capacitors. It is the opposite of the physicists' viewpoint, where the emphasis is usually on the fields. However, for engineering purposes, it is reasonable to use this term.
  • #1
DaTario
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In Coulomb's law the term epsilon zero appears in the denominator and receives the name of permittivity constant [\b]. As it comes from the word permit (allow) then it would seem reasonable, for me at least, to expect that, as epsilon zero increases, the vacuum would be allowing one charge to better "see" the other, and then the force would be greater. But it is the opposite.

Is this name justifiable in some acceptation of this word ?
 
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  • #2
Epsilon zero is the ratio between the charge enclosed by a surface and the electric flux through that surface. The name "permitivity of vacuum" is archaic and pointless.
 
  • #3
But consider a space full of smoke. If the force had to do with seeing the other, this part played by the space has some sense in permiting the force to cross the space in between.

I would like seeing epsilon zero in the numerator so as to call it permitivity.
 
  • #4
A large value of epsilon "permits" lots of charge
to build up, with fairly small Voltage.

It's archaic, and inverse to the physicists' viepoint
which usually emphasizes the fields,
but is reasonable for engineering purposes (as in capacitors).
 
  • #5
I am satisfied with this answer. The capacitor view point is quite understandable.

Best Regards,

DaTario
 

FAQ: Coulomb's epsilon zero and its name

1. What is Coulomb's epsilon zero?

Coulomb's epsilon zero, also known as the electric constant, is a fundamental physical constant that represents the permittivity of free space. It is denoted by the symbol ε0 and has a value of approximately 8.85 x 10^-12 F/m (farads per meter).

2. Why is Coulomb's epsilon zero important?

Coulomb's epsilon zero plays a crucial role in determining the strength of the electric field between two charged particles. It also helps in calculating the force between two charged particles and is used in various equations related to electricity and magnetism.

3. How did Coulomb's epsilon zero get its name?

The name "Coulomb's epsilon zero" is derived from French physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, who first introduced the concept of permittivity in his experiments on electrostatic forces in the late 18th century. The symbol "epsilon" (ε) represents permittivity and "zero" (0) denotes the value of this constant in free space.

4. What is the difference between Coulomb's epsilon zero and permittivity?

Coulomb's epsilon zero is a specific value of permittivity in free space, whereas permittivity is a general property of a material that describes its ability to store electric charge. In other words, Coulomb's epsilon zero is a constant, while permittivity can vary depending on the material it is measured in.

5. How is Coulomb's epsilon zero related to other physical constants?

Coulomb's epsilon zero is related to other important physical constants such as the speed of light (c), Planck's constant (h), and the elementary charge (e). It is used in conjunction with these constants to define other important quantities, such as the fine structure constant and the vacuum impedance.

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