The SI unit of permittivity of free space (ϵ0 ) is
Correct answer: D. C^2/Nm²
- A. C/Nm
- B. C^2/(Nm)²
- C. Nm²/C^2
- D. C^2/Nm²
Explanation
The SI unit of permittivity of free space (ϵ0 ) is (d) C^2/Nm².It is a measure of a material's ability to permit the flow of electric field lines. Let's break down how this unit arises:Coulomb (C): This unit represents the amount of electric charge.Newton (N): This unit represents force.Meter (m): This unit represents distance.Permittivity (ε₀): This quantity relates the electric field (E) to the electric displacement field (D) through the equation:D = ε₀ * EThe electric displacement field (D) is another way to describe the electric field, taking into account the medium the field is present in. In free space (a vacuum), D and E are directly proportional with a constant of proportionality equal to ε₀.Deriving the unit:From the equation D = ε₀ * E, we can see that:D has units of C/m² (charge per unit area).E has units of N/C (force per unit charge).Solving for ε₀:ε₀ = D / E = (C/m²) / (N/C)Performing the division, we get:ε₀ = C² / (N m²)Incorrect options: (a), (b), and (c) These units do not correctly represent the SI unit of permittivity of free space.
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Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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