Dipole moment of a specific charge distribution

In summary, the conversation discusses the distribution of a negative charge as an ellipsoid with a positive point charge at the center. The question is raised about the dipole moment of this charge distribution, and it is noted that if the negative charge distribution is spherical with a positive charge at the center, the dipole moment is zero. The same may not be true for the ellipsoid distribution, as the location of the positive charge may affect the dipole moment. It is also mentioned that the dipole moment is zero, but the quadrupole moment is not.
  • #1
Alimpaj
2
0
A negative charge cloud distribute as a ellipsoid and a positive point charge situated at the centre of the ellipsoid.What should be the dipole moment of charge distribution.I mean, if the negative charge distribution is spherical and positive point charge at the centre then surely dipole moment is zero because positive and negative charge centre coincide.Is this the same case for the ellipsoid charge distribution or something else..
 
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  • #2
where is the positive charge-center or at one of the foci?
 
  • #3
AURUM said:
where is the positive charge-center or at one of the foci?
The positive charge located at the centre of the ellipse..
 
  • #4
The dipole moment is zero, but not the quadrupole moment.
 

1. What is a dipole moment?

A dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges within a system. It describes the overall polarity of a charge distribution.

2. How is the dipole moment of a specific charge distribution calculated?

The dipole moment is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the charge by the distance between the positive and negative charges.

3. What are the units of dipole moment?

The units of dipole moment are Coulomb-meters (C·m) in the SI system, and Debye (D) in the CGS system.

4. Can the dipole moment of a charge distribution be zero?

Yes, the dipole moment can be zero if the positive and negative charges are equally and symmetrically distributed.

5. How does the dipole moment affect the overall electric field of a system?

The dipole moment determines the strength and direction of the electric field surrounding the charge distribution. A larger dipole moment results in a stronger electric field, while a smaller dipole moment results in a weaker electric field.

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