Question

What is the correct value for the speed of light c when numerical values for the permeability (μο) and permittivity (80) of free space are entered into the equation

C= 1 /μοτο ?
a) 3 × 108 m/s
b) 2 x 108 m/s
c) 4 x 108 m/s
d) 1 x 108 m/s

Answer 1

The correct value for the speed of light c using the permeability and permittivity of free space is approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s, matching the universally accepted value.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed of light in a vacuum can be calculated using the permeability (μ₀) and permittivity (ε₀) of free space with the equation c = 1/√(μ₀ε₀).

When putting the standard values of the permeability and permittivity of free space into this equation, which are approximately

μ₀ = 4π x 10^-7 N/A^2 and ε₀ = 8.854 x 10^-12 C^2/N·m^2 respectively, the speed of light c is found to be approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s.

Thus, the correct value for the speed of light c, when these values are entered into the equation, matches the universally accepted speed of light in a vacuum.