Dipole Moments - Understanding Magnitude and Direction | Homework Clarification

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the dipole moment (p) in a physics homework problem involving an electric field (E) at specific coordinates. The relevant equations include p = Qd, where Q is the charge and d is the distance, and E = [(Qd)/(4∏єor^3)]*(2cosѳ*ar + sinѳ*aѳ). The user successfully determined the magnitude of the dipole moment but seeks clarification on finding its direction, particularly regarding the angles theta and phi in the context of the electric field's orientation.

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  • Understanding of dipole moments in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with electric field equations
  • Knowledge of spherical coordinate systems
  • Basic grasp of vector components in physics
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  • Study the derivation of dipole moment equations in electrostatics
  • Learn about the significance of angles theta and phi in electric field calculations
  • Explore vector analysis in spherical coordinates
  • Review examples of dipole moment problems in advanced physics textbooks
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of dipole moments and electric field interactions in electrostatics.

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Homework Statement


Hi there, I am kind of new to this site, so please bear with me. On the more advanced physics forum page, there was a question about dipole moments, and the way the help had been described was a bit over my head. I am posting this for clarification purposes because this is something that we have recently talked about in class. I will just use satchmo05's problem so I can see the relevance to the more advanced help:

1. Homework Statement
E-field at (2[m], 30⁰, 90⁰) is E = 4aѳ [V/m]. Find the magnitude and direction of the dipole moment p.

2. Homework Equations
I know that I need I need to solve for the equation: p = Qd, where Q is the point charge at the given point and the distance between +Q and -Q, which should be 4[m].
The other equation I know of that may lead me in the right direction is:
E = [(Qd)/(4∏єor3)]*(2cosѳ*ar + sinѳ*aѳ).

I understand how to find the magnitude thanks to nickjer's help, but I still do not understand how to find the direction of this problem.

The Attempt at a Solution



The magnitude makes sense to me. In order to have no radial component to match up with the z-axis aligned E-field, the theta angle in the E equation needs to be 90 degrees. I got lost when they started talking about the phi angle. Can someone please simplify this down for me so that a beginner like me can understand this? Thank you for all help included in this post!
 
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