What exactly is epsilon naught (the electrostatic constant called permittivity in free space)?

Question

What does the term "permittivity in free space" mean? i know it's value is 8.85X10^-12, but what does that actually represent? Why is it used for K in coulomb's law?

Answer 1

It's the absolute dielectric permittivity of a vacuum. It's value is



epsilon(0) = 8.85418781762 x10^-12 F/m (farads per metre)

Answer 2

Permittivity Of Free Space

Answer 3

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The permittivity of free space, and the magnetic permeability of free space, are relics of the SI system of units--a particular way of defining the unit of electric charge. Best to use "Gaussian" units wherein the permittivity and permeability of free space are both=1. It makes the equations that much simpler. For example, in these units, the electric field of a point charge is 1/4pi*Q/r^2 ie just geometric factors times the strength of the charge. It makes Gauss's law (and the rest of the Maxwell equations) that much easier to understand.

Answer 4

Epsilon Not