How are Electrical Permittivity and Magnetic Permeability Measured?

In summary, Maxwell's equations show that the speed of light in vacuum is determined by the electrical permittivity and magnetic permeability. These values are not directly measured, but rather defined in terms of the speed of light. The value of the magnetic permeability is fixed by the definition of the Amp, while the speed of light is fixed by the definition of the metre. The relative permittivity of a material can be indirectly measured by measuring the capacitance of a capacitor or by using dielectric spectroscopy. Alternatively, it can be calculated by measuring the impedance of a transmission line and solving for the values of u0 and e0.
  • #1
Zman
96
0
Maxwell showed us that the speed of light in vacuum is dependent on two values.
The two values are the electrical permittivity and the magnetic permeability.

But how are these two values measured?
 
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  • #2
They aren't - it's the other way around, you define them from Maxwell's equations.
You can define electrical permittivity in terms of the speed of light and and the magnetic permeability. The magnetic permeability is fixed by the definition of the Amp and the speed of light is fixed by the definition of the metre.
 
  • #3
Thanks for that. But I am still unclear.

The equation relating c, permittivity of free space (e) and permeability of free space(u)
c = 1/SQRT(e u)

Are you saying that knowing c from experiment, and u from something else, then the value of e is found?
 
  • #4
Yes
[tex]\mu[/tex] is fixed at [tex]4 \pi 10 ^{-7}[/tex] from the definition of the Amp (the 10^-7 is because it was originally in cm and g rather than kg and m)
The speed of light is fixed, the metre is now defined in terms of the speed of light (so if a new measurement is made of c we change the length of the metre)
 
  • #5
Zman said:
Are you saying that knowing c from experiment, and u from something else, then the value of e is found?

But it is of course also possible to just measure the capacitance of a capacitor of known calculable) geometry (or, if you need accurate results, to use a cavity perturbation method).
I've never heard of anyone actually measuring the relative permittivity in a material by directly measuring the speed of light.

Dielectric spectroscopy is HUGE field and there are many different ways to measure permittivity.
 
  • #6
By measuring the impedance of an air-dielectric coax cable of known geometry (e.g., Andrew HJ7-50A heliax) or other transmission line geometry, the impedance of free space (Z0 = 377 ohms) can be estimated.
Then solve

sqrt(u0/e0) = Z0 = 376.730 ohms.

Then knowing the speed of light 1/sqrt(u0 e0) = c = 2.9979 x 108 meters per sec

e0 and u0 can be calculated separately.

u0 = Z0/c = 4 pi x 10-7 Henrys per rmeter

e0 = 1/(Z0c) = 8.85 x 10-12 Farads per meter
 
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What is electrical permittivity?

Electrical permittivity is a measure of a material's ability to store electrical energy in an electric field. It is a physical constant that determines how much a material can be polarized in response to an applied electric field.

How is electrical permittivity measured?

Electrical permittivity is typically measured using a device called a capacitor, which consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material. The permittivity of the material between the plates can then be calculated based on the capacitance of the capacitor.

What is the difference between electrical permittivity and dielectric constant?

The terms electrical permittivity and dielectric constant are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Electrical permittivity is a physical constant that is the ratio of the electric flux density to the electric field strength in a vacuum, while dielectric constant is the same ratio but in a specific material.

How does electrical permittivity affect the behavior of materials?

Electrical permittivity plays a crucial role in determining the properties of materials, such as their ability to conduct electricity, their response to electric fields, and their dielectric strength. It also affects the speed of electromagnetic waves traveling through a material.

What factors can affect the value of electrical permittivity?

The value of electrical permittivity can be affected by various factors, including temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities in the material. It can also vary depending on the frequency and strength of the applied electric field.

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