Determining Dipole Rotation: Clockwise vs Counterclockwise

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the rotation direction of an electric dipole in an electric field, specifically whether it rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. The energy of a dipole is defined by the equation U = -p·E, which leads to a stable equilibrium at 0 degrees and an unstable equilibrium at 180 degrees. The angle is measured between the dipole moment vector (p) and the electric field vector (E). Participants suggest analyzing force vectors on the dipole's charges to ascertain the net torque direction, which influences the rotation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric dipoles and their properties
  • Familiarity with torque and equilibrium concepts in physics
  • Knowledge of vector analysis, particularly in the context of forces
  • Basic grasp of electric fields and their interaction with dipoles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of torque in electric fields
  • Learn about the stability of electric dipoles in varying field strengths
  • Explore vector analysis techniques for force and torque calculations
  • Investigate the implications of dipole orientation on energy states
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and professionals interested in electromagnetism, particularly those studying electric dipoles and their behavior in electric fields.

nishantve1
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This is not a homework question I encountered this while revisiting the Electric Dipoles .
First of all if someone explains me why the dipole
zDSMv.png

So in the image above which way should the dipole rotate ? Anti Clock Wise or Clock Wise .
What My intuition says is the Energy of a dipole is
U = -p.E
Which is -pEcosθ
So the Energy Graph would be
hkmX9.png

So there's a Stable Equilibrium at 0 and unstable equilibrium at ∏

So what I know is that angle is angle made between the E field and the Dipole moment .
What I am not getting is which way is the angle measured ? So if I rotate the dipole moment all the way to bottom will the angle still be same ? Like in the figure ?
zDEPl.png


Also still which way the dipole rotate it seems easier for it rotate counter clockwise . But Will it ?
 
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To get the angle, you need to know which way the dipole vector p is directed, and compare that direction with the direction of E.

Alternatively, you could draw force vectors on the (+) and (-) charges, and from that figure out in what direction the net torque is acting.
 

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