Calculation of dipole moment

In summary, the magnitude of the torque on a dipole placed in a uniform electric field with a magnitude of 8.0x10^4 N/C is 0. N · m when the dipole is aligned with the electric field, ________ N · m when the dipole is transverse to the electric field, and ________ N · m when the dipole makes an angle of 29.5° with the direction of the electric field. The potential energy of the dipole in the electric field is _________ J when θ = 0° and _________ J when θ = 29.5°. The relevant equation for the torque on a dipole in an electric field is dq
  • #1
swimmer052005
4
0

Homework Statement



A dipole of moment 0.50 e · nm is placed in a uniform electric field with a magnitude of 8.0 104 N/C. What is the magnitude of the torque on the dipole for each of the following situations?

(a) the dipole is aligned with the electric field
0. N · m (this is correct)

(b) the dipole is transverse to (perpendicular to) the electric field
__________. N · m

(c) the dipole makes an angle of 29.5° with the direction of the electric field
_______ N · m

(d) Defining the potential energy to be zero when the dipole is transverse to the electric field, find the potential energy of the dipole in the electric field for the orientations specified in Parts (a) and (c).
θ = 0°, U = _________

θ = 29.5°, U = _________ J

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
What is the relevant equation for the torque on a dipole in an electric field?
 
  • #3
dqE = pE
 

What is a dipole moment?

A dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule. It is represented by a vector and is used to describe the polarity of a molecule.

How is dipole moment calculated?

Dipole moment is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the charge separation by the distance between the charges. This can be done using the equation μ = Q x r, where μ is the dipole moment, Q is the magnitude of the charge separation, and r is the distance between the charges.

What units are used to measure dipole moment?

Dipole moment is typically measured in units of Debye (D). One Debye is equal to 3.34 x 10^-30 coulomb-meters (C⋅m). In some cases, the unit of electron-angstrom (e⋅Å) is also used.

How does the shape of a molecule affect its dipole moment?

The shape of a molecule plays a significant role in determining its dipole moment. If a molecule has a symmetrical shape, the dipole moments of each bond will cancel each other out, resulting in a molecule with no overall dipole moment. On the other hand, if a molecule has an asymmetric shape, the dipole moments will not cancel out, resulting in a molecule with a nonzero dipole moment.

What is the significance of dipole moment in chemistry?

Dipole moment is an important concept in chemistry as it helps to explain many physical and chemical properties of molecules. It is used to determine the polarity of a molecule, which affects its solubility, boiling point, and reactivity. Dipole moment also plays a role in intermolecular forces and can help predict the behavior of molecules in different environments.

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