In physics, free space is a concept of electromagnetic theory, corresponding to a theoretical "perfect vacuum".

Theory and mathematics

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Free space simply means that there is no material or other physical phenomenon present except the phenomenon under consideration. Free space is considered the baseline state of the electromagnetic field. Radiant energy propagates through free space in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves and visible light (among other electromagnetic spectrum frequencies). The constant value $\backslash mu\_0\; \backslash ,$ is known as the permeability of free space. The permittivity of free space, $\backslash varepsilon\_0$, is the ratio of the electric displacement field to the electric field in free space. This permittivity is used in the construction of the fine-structure constant. According to relativity, radiant energy in free space propagates at the speed of light, independent of the speed of the observer or of the source of the waves. Quantum field theory predicts that no volume of space is perfectly empty nor has a gaseous pressure of absolute zero. Quantum theory suggests the presence of virtual particles which would prevent any region of space from being completely empty.

Ideal states and real world applications

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Free space conveys that the region is absolutely devoid of matter and has no external fields or forces other than those considered in the problem at hand. Free space, with a gaseous pressure of absolute zero is a philosophical concept with no physical reality and no such state exists except as an idealization, not least because quantum theory predicts that no volume of space is perfectly empty in this way. Even in the "vacuum" of outer space, there are small quantities of matter (mostly hydrogen), and noise sources. The density of the interplanetary medium and interstellar medium though is extremely low, and, for many applications, the interplanetary and interstellar regions are "free space". The cosmic microwave background radiation is isotropic to roughly one part in 100,000. The United States Patent Office defines "free space" for radio and radar applications as "space where the movement of energy in any direction is substantially unimpeded, such as the atmosphere, the ocean, or the earth". (US Patent Class 342, Class Notes U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions as of June 30, 2000 ) This is slightly different from the theoretical definition of free space as there exists considerable material in all of the USPTO's examples. As per this defintion, at various electromagnetic frequencies some density conditions are reasonable approximations to free space.

See also

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• Medium (optics)
• Dielectric constant
• Dirac sea

External articles and references

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Citations

Other

• Davida, "What is the significance of permittivity of free space?". Ask A Scientist, Physics Archive.
• Susan Lea, "Electromagnetic waves in free space". (PDF)
• Eric W. Weisstein, "Permittivity of Free Space".
• Eric W. Weisstein, "Permeability of Free Space".
• "Characteristic impedance of free space". TechTarget, 2005.

Electromagnetism