Multiplying epsilon naught by a length quantity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the permittivity of free space (ε₀) and capacitance, specifically in the context of the formula C = 4πε₀R. Participants clarify that ε₀ has units of F/m (farads per meter) and that multiplying it by a length (R) results in capacitance measured in farads (F). The confusion arises from the suggestion that ε₀ could also be expressed in H/m (henries per meter), which is not supported by standard references. Ultimately, the capacitance of a sphere is directly proportional to its radius, confirming that ε₀R yields the correct unit of capacitance.

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  • Understanding of capacitance and its units (F)
  • Familiarity with the concept of permittivity (ε₀)
  • Basic knowledge of dimensional analysis
  • Awareness of SI units and their conversions
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  • Explore the differences between farads (F) and henries (H) in electrical units
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AdrianMachin
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Homework Statement


Note that this formula (##C=4 \pi \epsilon_0 R##) and the others we have derived for capacitance involve the constant multiplied by a quantity that has the dimensions of a length.

Homework Equations


##\epsilon_0## has the following units in SI:
$$\frac {C^2} {N \cdot m^2}$$ or $$\frac F m$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know why the textbook states this? Does it mean it results in having the ##F## unit after canceling out the unit of length in SI? A friend told me that we also present ##\epsilon_0## in SI with ##\frac H m##, thus multiplying by a length gives a result in ##H##. I don't see any ##\frac H m## unit for epsilon naught on Wikipedia.
 

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A capacitance has to have F as unit.

The units can help to figure out formulas. Keeping the sphere as an example: The only relevant parameter is its radius, and ##\epsilon_0## of course. How can the capacitance depend on the radius? Well, we have F/m from ##\epsilon_0##. The only way to get F is to multiply by the sphere radius: ##\epsilon_0 R##. Up to a prefactor (here: ##4 \pi##), we know already that this must be the capacitance of a sphere. Spheres have a capacitance proportional to their radius.Henry is not a very compatible unit here. It is ##1H = \frac{kg \,m^2}{C^2}##. Even if you consider 1/H, it still differs by m/s2 and there is no reasonable way to get rid of that difference.
 
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