- #1
jhess12
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Homework Statement
A small object with electrc dipole moment [tex]\overrightharpoonup{p}[/tex] is placed in a nonuniform electric field [tex]\overrightarrow{E}[/tex] =E(x)[tex]\hat{i}[/tex]. That is, the field is in the x direction and its magnitude depends on the coordinate x. Let [tex]\theta[/tex] represent the angle between the dipole moment and the x direction. (a) Prove that the net force on the dipole is F=p([tex]\frac{dE}{dx}[/tex])cos[tex]\theta[/tex] acting in the direction of the increasing field.
Homework Equations
U=-pEcos[tex]\theta[/tex]
p[tex]\equiv[/tex]2aq
The Attempt at a Solution
im not asking for anyone to do the problem, but I don't even know where to start. if someone could just please maybe help me understand the problem better and help me get started i would much appreciate it.