What Are the Correct Units of Coulomb's Constant?

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SUMMARY

Coulomb's constant, denoted as ke, is derived from the permittivity of free space, ε0, which has units of F/m (farads per meter). However, when expressed in terms of basic SI units, ε0 can also be represented as A²s⁴kg⁻¹m⁻³. The discussion clarifies that while some may initially consider the units of Coulomb's constant to be F/m, the correct interpretation involves understanding its relationship with ε0 and the fundamental SI units. This distinction is crucial for accurate applications in electrostatics.

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Coulomb's constant, which appears in Coulomb's Law, contains ε0.

The units of ε0 being F/m

Are the units of Coulomb's constant therefore F/m ?

Thank you.
 
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ZedCar said:
Coulomb's constant, which appears in Coulomb's Law, contains ε0.

The units of ε0 being F/m

Are the units of Coulomb's constant therefore F/m ?

Thank you.

I would have thought F-1m since ke = 1/(4∏εo)
 
ZedCar said:
Coulomb's constant, which appears in Coulomb's Law, contains ε0.

The units of ε0 being F/m

Are the units of Coulomb's constant therefore F/m ?

Thank you.

Yes, but farad can be derived from the basic units of the SI system, so the unit of ε0 is A2s4kg-1m-3 in terms of the basic SI units.

ehild
 
PeterO said:
I would have thought F-1m since ke = 1/(4∏εo)

For parallel plate capacitors, C=εA/d (A is the surface of the plates, d is the distance between them) so farad=[ε]m.

ehild
 

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