Calculating Net Force Between Two Dipoles

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the net force between two identical dipoles, each characterized by a charge and separation, positioned at a distance apart. The context is rooted in electrostatics, specifically focusing on the interactions between dipoles and the forces exerted by their constituent charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to calculate forces between individual charges within the dipoles and reference Coulomb's law as a potential approach. There are questions about how to apply these concepts and how to determine the charge of a dipole.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the application of Coulomb's law and expressing uncertainty about the initial steps. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of charge variables and algebraic manipulation, but no consensus on a method has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem, with one expressing concern about the difficulty level relative to their educational background. There is also a mention of a diagram that may aid in understanding the setup.

kjintonic
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Homework Statement


Two identical dipoles, each of charge q and separation a, are a distance x apart, as shown in Fig. By considering forces between pairs of charges in the different dipoles, calculate the net force between the dipoles. Show that, in the limit a<<x, the force has magnitude
6kp^2/x^4, where p=qa is the dipole moment.


Homework Equations


E=2kp/x^3


The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea where to start T^T
 
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They say to calculate forces between pairs of individual charges.

Which equation gives the force between two charges?
 
I really don't know... I am a 11th grader and I'm asked to do university stuff;;

oops i forgot the diagram

----- (- +) ---------------------------------(- +)----
--------a--------------------x-----------------a

EDIT: You mean kq1q2/r^2 ??
 
Last edited:
K now I understand that you have to use coulomb's law but how on Earth do i find q of one dipole?
 
Yes, use Coulomb's law.

Just leave the charge as q and work through the algebra.
 

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