What is the Difference Between Permittivity and Permeability?

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Permittivity and permeability are two different measures used in electromagnetism. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Definition: Permittivity measures the ability of a material to store energy within the material, while permeability is a measure of the ability of a material to support the formation of a magnetic field within the material.
  • Parameter: Permittivity is related to electrostatics, while permeability is related to electromagnetism.
  • Formula: Permittivity can be represented as $$\frac{Electric\;displacement}{Electric\;field\;intensity}$$, while permeability can be represented as $$\frac{Magnitude\;of\;magnetic\;induction(B)}{Intensity\;of\;magnetic\;field}$`.
  • SI Unit: Permittivity is measured in Farad/meter (F/m), while permeability is measured in Henries/meter (H/m).
  • Application: Permittivity is used in calculations related to electrostatics, such as force, capacitance, electric field density, and intensity. Permeability is used in electromagnetic calculations, like magnetic field intensity, magnetic field density, and the selection of core materials for electromagnetic devices.

In summary, permittivity is a property of a material that opposes the formation of an electric field, while permeability is a property that supports the formation of a magnetic field. These two properties play crucial roles in understanding the behavior of materials in electromagnetic field scenarios.

Comparative Table: Permittivity vs Permeability

Permittivity and permeability are two different measures used in electromagnetism. Here is a table comparing the differences between them:

Parameter Permittivity Permeability
Definition A measure of the opposition offered by any material against the formation of an electric field. Measures the ability of a material to store energy within the material. A measure of the ability of a material to support the formation of a magnetic field within the material.
Symbol ε (epsilon) μ (mu)
SI Unit Farad/meter (F/m) Henries/meter (H/m)
Direction Electric field Magnetic field
Relation to Material Polarization Magnetization
Free Space Value 8.85 × 10^-12 F/m 4π × 10^-7 H/m

Permittivity is related to the formation of an electric field, while permeability is related to the formation of a magnetic field. The permittivity of a material measures how easily electric charges can be separated within the material, while the permeability of a material measures how easily magnetic field lines can enter the material.