Find the electrostatic interaction energy between the dipole

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the total electrostatic interaction energy between two dipoles in one dimension, with one dipole having a negative and positive end positioned at (-D/2, 0) and (+D/2, 0) respectively, and the other dipole having a negative and positive end positioned at (r-d/2, 0) and (r+d/2, 0) respectively, with (r, 0) being the center. The goal is to find the electrostatic potential between the dipoles when r is much greater than both d and D. The solution involves using the field of one dipole to find the potential developed for each charge on the other dipole
  • #1
Poirot
94
2

Homework Statement



Consider the following pair of dipoles in one dimension.
One of the dipoles: -ve dipole positioned at (-D/2, 0) and +ve (+D/2, 0), with the origin between them.
Other dipole: -ve dipole positioned at (r-d/2, 0) and +ve at (r+d/2, 0), with (r, 0) being the centre.

Show that the total electrostatic interaction energy between the dipoles, when r is much greater than both d and D, is given by, V = – [1/2(Pi)*(epsilon nought)](QD)(qd)/r^3.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I have attempted this question by considering a point x between the dipoles and finding the Electrostatic potential caused by each of the ends of the dipole. This ended up with 4 terms in a summation and I'm struggling to see how the correct answer is a multiplication? I believe some of the terms can be taken as zero when they are squared (in the limit where r>>d and D) but I'm not sure how to get to this step.

I would appreciate a push in the right direction, thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hint : You can use the field of one of the dipoles to find the potential developed for each charge on the other dipole ( to get to the appropriate distance from fromer dipole), and then add the two potentials thus obtained.

Hope this helps.
 

1. What is electrostatic interaction energy?

Electrostatic interaction energy is the potential energy that results from the interaction between two electrically charged particles or objects. This energy is dependent on the distance between the particles and the magnitude of their charges.

2. How is electrostatic interaction energy calculated?

The electrostatic interaction energy between two dipoles can be calculated using the formula E = k*q1*q2/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges on the dipoles, and r is the distance between the dipoles.

3. What is a dipole?

A dipole is a molecule or atom that has a separation of positive and negative charges, resulting in a slight overall charge. This can occur due to differences in electronegativity or unequal distribution of electrons within the molecule or atom.

4. Can the electrostatic interaction energy between dipoles be positive or negative?

Yes, the electrostatic interaction energy can be either positive or negative, depending on the orientation of the dipoles and the direction of the electric field. A positive energy indicates a repulsive force between the dipoles, while a negative energy indicates an attractive force.

5. What factors can affect the electrostatic interaction energy between dipoles?

The electrostatic interaction energy between dipoles can be influenced by the distance between the dipoles, the magnitude and orientation of the charges on the dipoles, and the dielectric constant of the medium in which the dipoles are located. Temperature and the presence of other molecules can also affect the strength of the interaction.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
430
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
922
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
837
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
573
Replies
1
Views
383
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
7K
Back
Top