Permeability & Permittivity of Free Space - Meaning

  • Thread starter garytse86
  • Start date
In summary, permeability and permittivity of free space are physical constants that describe the ability of a material to allow magnetic and electric fields to pass through it. These constants are important because they determine the speed of electromagnetic waves and help calculate the strength of electric and magnetic fields. They are measured through experimental methods and are unique to free space. These constants are considered fundamental properties and do not change with external factors.
  • #1
garytse86
311
0
Permeability and permittivity of free space, any meaning at all?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, they are two constants that exist due to our aleatory chosen units.
 
  • #3
what does "aleatory" mean?
 
  • #4
Even if you don't have a dictionary, you clearly have all of the internet available.

Go to "google.com" and enter:

a) permittivity definition

b) Permeability definition

c) aleatory definition
 

1. What is the meaning of permeability and permittivity of free space?

Permeability and permittivity of free space are physical constants that describe how electromagnetic waves propagate through a vacuum. Permeability refers to the ability of a material to allow magnetic fields to pass through it, while permittivity refers to the ability of a material to allow electric fields to pass through it. In the case of free space, these values are fixed at 4π x 10^-7 H/m and 8.85 x 10^-12 F/m, respectively.

2. Why are these constants important?

These constants are important because they play a crucial role in determining the speed at which electromagnetic waves travel through a vacuum. They also help in calculating the strength of electric and magnetic fields in a given situation.

3. How are permeability and permittivity of free space measured?

Permeability and permittivity of free space are measured through experimental methods, such as the Cavendish balance and the Leybold balance. These methods involve using a vacuum chamber to eliminate the influence of other materials and accurately measure the electrical and magnetic properties of free space.

4. Are these constants unique to free space?

Yes, these constants are unique to free space and do not apply to any other medium. They are often referred to as "free space constants" and are used as reference values when comparing the properties of other materials.

5. Can these constants change?

No, these constants are considered to be fundamental properties of free space and are constant values. They do not change with temperature, pressure, or any other external factors.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
718
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
722
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
957
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
777
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
Back
Top