Gaussian Units: Electric Field

AI Thread Summary
In Gaussian units, the electric field in a vacuum is expressed as E = Q/r^2. When considering a dielectric, the correct equation for the electric field is E = Q/(ε_r r^2), indicating that the field is indeed altered by the dielectric constant. The discussion highlights a preference for MKS units, as they provide clarity by avoiding the complexities of natural units where free-space epsilon is unity. This preference stems from the desire to clearly understand the relationships between electric fields and materials. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate calculations in electrostatics.
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I am stuck with Gaussian units. If the field in vacuum is

E = \frac{Q}{r^2}

Is the field in a dielectric

E = \frac{Q}{\epsilon_r r^2}

, or is it unchanged?
 
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The latter is the correct equation. In gaussian units, free-space epsilon is unity, this is why I prefer MKS units since all the unities in natural units sometimes hide these kind of relationships.
 
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