# Force on electric diploe in non-uniform electric field

by rajeshmarndi
Tags: diploe, electric, field, force, nonuniform
 P: 176 I couldn't understand why there is, ∂E$_{y}$ and ∂E$_{z}$ term in the equation, for the x-component of the force on di-pole, F$_{x}$ = q [ E$_{x}$ + ∂E$_{x}$/∂x δx + ∂E$_{y}$/∂y δy + ∂E$_{z}$/∂z δz ] - qE$_{x}$ Isn't both ∂E$_{y}$ and ∂E$_{z}$ term, should be zero along the x-component. I understand, the net force on the di-pole, in an non-uniform electric field, should be, F$_{x}$ = q [ E$_{x}$ + ∂E$_{x}$/∂x δx] - qE$_{x}$ Since the force on the ends of a di-pole are not the same in an non-uniform field. And therefore, there would be a net force on the di-pole.
 Homework Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks ∞ P: 12,434 What are the delta terms in the equation for?
 P: 4 can't get through what you have written. Bhai apka Post kia hua acha say nahe sam j
P: 176
Force on electric diploe in non-uniform electric field

Its given E$_{x}$, E$_{y}$ and E$_{z}$ are three rectangular component of field strength E at the origin where the charge -q of the dipole is situated and the charge +q is situated at (δx, δy, δz).

 Quote by Simon Bridge What are the delta terms in the equation for?
The delta terms must be the rate of change of the field.

I understand, force experienced upon x-component of the +q charge
= q [ E$_{x}$ + ∂E$_{x}$/∂x δx + ∂E$_{y}$/∂y δy + ∂E$_{z}$/∂z δz ] and,

force experienced upon x-component of the -q charge= qE$_{x}$

and hence the net force on x-component of the di-pole =

F$_{x}$ = q [ E$_{x}$ + ∂E$_{x}$/∂x δx + ∂E$_{y}$/∂y δy + ∂E$_{z}$/∂z δz ] - qE$_{x}$
 P: 4 Hi you Indian ?
 Homework Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks ∞ P: 12,434 NO - the delta terms are the position of one end of the dipole with respect to the other one. The partials attached to the delta terms are the rate of change of E with the direction. Since the dipole can be tilted in the y or z direction, the gradient of E in that direction must count.
 P: 176 Apologize, there is no ∂E$_{y}$ and ∂E$_{z}$ in the equation, so the equation is F$_{x}$ = q [ E$_{x}$ + ∂E$_{x}$/∂x δx + ∂E$_{x}$/∂y δy + ∂E$_{x}$/∂z δz ] - qE$_{x}$. Still, can there be term ∂E$_{x}$ wrt ∂y and ∂z. I understand it would be zero wrt ∂y and ∂z.
 Homework Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks ∞ P: 12,434 Sure ... the x component of the electric field can depend on y and z $$\vec E = E_x(x,y,z)\hat \imath + E_y(x,y,z)\hat \jmath +E_z(x,y,z) \hat k\\$$
P: 176
 Quote by Simon Bridge Sure ... the x component of the electric field can depend on y and z $$\vec E = E_x(x,y,z)\hat \imath + E_y(x,y,z)\hat \jmath +E_z(x,y,z) \hat k\\$$
We have only E$_{x}$ component along x-axis, similarly E$_{y}$ and E$_{z}$.

So, obviously ∂E$_{x}$/∂y i.e rate of change of x-component on y-axis should be zero.

Where am I wrong.
Homework
HW Helper
Thanks ∞
P: 12,434
 We have only Ex component along x-axis, similarly Ey and Ez.
... that's what I wrote - notice that each component of the electric field is a function of position?

If the x component electric field does not depend on z or y then the gradient in those directions will be zero.
The equation you wrote does not make that assumption.
The equation is explicitly for the situation that the electric field varies with position.
P: 176
 Quote by Simon Bridge If the x component electric field does not depend on z or y then the gradient in those directions will be zero.
I still am missing something.

For e.g a particle accelerating in the x-y plane.

If I'm right, its instantaneous velocity along x-axis after an interval δx will be, ∂V$_{x}$/∂x δx, and we wouldn't need ∂V$_{x}$/∂y δy.

V$_{x}$ = instantaneous velocity on the x-axis
∂V$_{x}$/∂x = acceleration on the x-axis
 Homework Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks ∞ P: 12,434 Didn;t you say earlier that the delta-x delta-y etc were related to the separation of the charges in the dipole.
P: 176
 Quote by Simon Bridge If the x component electric field does not depend on z or y then the gradient in those directions will be zero.
I think this is what I'm still not getting. Can you please make it simple.

Why the x-component depend on z or y axis? That is, once we know the rate of change along x-axis is ∂E$_{x}$/∂x, we don't need z and y component.

Only ∂E$_{x}$/∂x is required to know the value of E$_{x}$ at δx.

 Quote by Simon Bridge Didn;t you say earlier that the delta-x delta-y etc were related to the separation of the charges in the dipole.
Yes, one end of the dipole is at origin and the other charge +q is situated at (δx, δy, δz).
Homework
HW Helper
Thanks ∞
P: 12,434
 Why the x-component depend on z or y axis?
... that would happen if the field is not uniform.
i.e. For a point charge, the electric field is $$\vec E = \frac{kQ}{r^3}\vec r$$ ... find ##E_x##

Remember:
The electric and magnetic fields are vectors.

So ##\vec E = E_x(x,y,z)\hat\imath + E_y(x,y,z)\hat\jmath + E_z(x,y,z)\hat k##

##E_x## is not the value of ##\vec E## along the ##x## axis, it is the component of ##\vec E## at point ##\vec r = (x,y,z)## that points in the +x direction.

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