Permittivity and Permeability: FAQs

1. Define Permittivity.

The ability of the material to resist the formation of an electric field when exposed to an electric field is called permittivity.

2. What is the unit of Permittivity?

Unit of Permittivity is farad per meter (F/m).

3. How does Permeability of Free Space Differs from Permeability of Materials?

Permeability of free space is a constant denoted as μ₀, where as materials have their own relative permeability (μᵣ), which is the ratio of a material’s absolute permeability to that of permeability of free space.

4. Can Materials have both High Permittivity and Permeability?

Yes, materials like ferromagnetic substances can have high values of both relative permittivity as well as relative permeability.

5. How does Permittivity Affect Capacitance?

Capacitance is directly proportional to the permittivity of the material between the plates of a capacitor. Increasing the permittivity of the dielectric material between the plates increases the capacitance of the capacitor.

6. Define Permeability.

Permeability, represented by the symbol μ (mu), is a measure of a material’s ability to permit the magnetic field to pass through it. It quantifies how much a magnetic field is weakened or distorted when passing through a particular medium.

7. What is Relative Permeability?

Relative permeability is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of a material’s permeability to the permeability of free space (μ₀). It is denoted by μ_r. Relative permeability quantifies how much a material’s permeability differs from that of free space.

Permittivity and Permeability are two fundamental properties of materials that play a crucial role in the behavior of electromagnetic waves and related fields. Permittivity, represented by the symbol ε (epsilon), describes a material’s ability to permit the electric field to pass through it. Permittivity is a measure of how easily electric charges can be separated within the material in response to an applied electric field. On the other hand, Permeability, denoted as μ (mu), characterizes a material’s ability to allow magnetic fields to pass through it. Permeability represents how readily magnetic flux can propagate within the material when subjected to a magnetic field.

Together, Permittivity and Permeability determine the speed at which electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves, travel through a given medium. This article provides a brief description of both Permittivity and Permeability, other than that we will also discuss the key differences between Permittivity and Permeability.