Permittivity of free space, abbreviated as \(\epsilon_0\) (Greek symbol epsilon), also called electric constant, is a fundamental physical constant that describes how electric fields behave in a perfect vacuum. It represents the ability of free space to permit electric field lines and determines how strongly electric charges interact when no material medium is present. In essence, \(\epsilon_0\) sets the scale for the strength of the electric force in a vacuum, appearing in key relationships such as Coulomb’s law and Maxwell’s equations. Its value, approximately \(\;8.854 \;x\; 10^{-12} F/m\), defines how much electric flux is produced per unit charge in free space and helps establish the speed at which electromagnetic waves like light propagate through a vacuum.
