Dipole moment at the sub atomic level

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the generation of electric fields by moving neutral objects at the atomic level, specifically through the concept of dipole moments. A proposed mechanism suggests that as atoms move, their electron clouds shift relative to their nuclei, potentially creating a dipole moment on the order of 10-5 Debye. This is significantly smaller than the dipole moment of water (1.85 Debye). The conversation also touches on the Van der Waals forces and their relevance to molecular interactions, emphasizing that these forces can sum up in a lattice of atoms, enhancing their effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dipole moments and their measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with Van der Waals forces and their implications in molecular interactions
  • Basic knowledge of atomic structure and electron cloud behavior
  • Awareness of classical mechanics as it relates to atomic movement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the measurement techniques for low dipole moments in atomic physics
  • Explore the implications of Van der Waals forces in molecular adhesion and surface interactions
  • Investigate the velocity dependence of molecular interactions through academic papers
  • Learn about the role of electron cloud dynamics in generating electric fields
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Physicists, chemists, and researchers interested in atomic interactions, molecular physics, and the study of dipole moments in various states of matter.

Dilema
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The following mechanism leads me to wander that a moving neutral object (compose from atoms) in vacuum may generates electric filed due to very small dipole moment.
I propose that when atoms force to move in a certain direction the force propagates within the atom. A retardation in movements will happen depending on response time and the time it takes the force (Field) to travel within the atom (probably the speed of light). This leads to a very small shift (depending on the atom velocity) in electron clouds relative to the position of the nuclei (very similar to portability but without external electric field).
My first simple estimation (classical approach) is that for 1m/sec the atom clouds shits in 10-18m.
This would generates dipole moment of 10-5Debay (just for comparison H2O has 1.85Debay).
1. Did someone consider such mechanism? (I need link or paper).
2. Is it possible to measure such low dipole moment?
3. Consider lattice of mole atoms then I expect this dipole moment to sum up to much more significant, isn't it?
 
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1. Yes. Otherwise known as the Van der Waals force. It can occur for neutral molecules/atoms alike. I'm sure you can look up papers or read the Wikipedia page.
2. Yes, these measurements are often done. http://phys.org/news/2016-05-physicists-van-der-waals-individual.html
3. As the above article states, that's why geckos can stick to surfaces so well. The van der waals forces sum up enough to enable that.
 
Thank you Modestyking for your repay. I'm well aware of the Van der Waals forces. Please note that I was referring to a phenomenon that should increases with the velocity of the subject. As far as I know Van der Waals interactions are independent on molecule velocity. Namely you can have interactions even the molecules are standing still.
 
A dipole field would lead to a force on a charge in this field.

Consider the same situation in the rest frame of the neutral atom, with a moving charge somewhere: no force. Therefore, no dipole moment.
 
A simple Google search seemed to yield a few papers, one of which is here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231076123_Velocity_dependence_of_the_van_der_Waals_force_between_molecules
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Dilema said:
a very small shift (depending on the atom velocity) in electron clouds relative to the position of the nuclei (
This does not happen, and PF is not the place for personal theory development.

Thread closed.
 

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