Electric Dipole Field: Difference & Coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the coordinate systems used for electric dipole formulas and the distinction between pure and physical dipoles. It is established that the origin of the Cartesian coordinate system is often placed at the midpoint of the electric dipole moment vector to simplify mathematical derivations. Participants clarify that the choice of origin is flexible and can be adjusted based on convenience. The difference between pure and physical dipoles is likened to the general distinction between ideal and real entities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric dipole moment
  • Familiarity with Cartesian coordinate systems
  • Basic knowledge of electrostatics
  • Concept of ideal vs. real physical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical derivations of electric dipole fields
  • Learn about the implications of coordinate system choices in physics
  • Explore the characteristics of pure vs. physical dipoles in detail
  • Study the applications of electric dipole moments in various physical contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and researchers interested in electric dipole theory and its applications.

Septim
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Greetings,

I wonder with respect to what coordinates the formulas given for the electric dipole is valid. Also I want to comprehend the difference between pure and physical dipoles and why many books put the origin of the cartesian system they define on the middle point of the electric dipole moment vector( I think they should put the origin at the tail of the vector). Any insight is welcome.

Thanks in advance,
 
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Septim said:
Greetings,

I wonder with respect to what coordinates the formulas given for the electric dipole is valid.
Whatever coordinate system the formulas are given in of course. You need to be specific.
Also I want to comprehend the difference between pure and physical dipoles and why many books put the origin of the cartesian system they define on the middle point of the electric dipole moment vector( I think they should put the origin at the tail of the vector). Any insight is welcome.
The books are putting the origin half-way between the charges not the dipole vector - which can be drawn anywhere. They put the origin there to make the math/derivations simpler. You can put the origin anyplace you like.

The difference between real and "pure" or ideal dipoles is the same as real vs ideal anything.
Also see:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=222675
 

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