Electric Dipole Moment question

In summary, two point charges of +4.70 and -4.70 separated by a distance of 3.90mm form an electric dipole. The dipole is placed in a uniform electric field at an angle of 37.0 degrees, exerting a torque with a magnitude of 7.00×10−9 Nm. Using the equation τ=d(sinθ)qE, the magnitude of the field is found to be 634.6 N/C.
  • #1
ilovetswift
4
0

Homework Statement


Point charges +4.70 and -4.70 are separated by distance 3.90mm, forming an electric dipole.
The charges are in a uniform electric field whose direction makes an angle 37.0 degrees with the line connecting the charges. What is the magnitude of this field if the torque exerted on the dipole has magnitude 7.00×10−9 Nm ?

Homework Equations


τ=d(sinθ)qE
E=τ[itex]/[/itex](sinθ)dq

The Attempt at a Solution


(7E-9) / sin(30)(.0039)(4.7E-9)

763.78 N/C

What am I doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
Is the angle 30 or 37 degrees?

ehild
 
  • #3
37, thank you
I was getting so frustrated, stupid error
For anyone else who reads this thread you should get 634.6N/C when you plug in sin(37) into the equation above
 

FAQ: Electric Dipole Moment question

1. What is an electric dipole moment?

An electric dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a system. It is a vector quantity that indicates the strength and direction of the electric dipole, with the magnitude determined by the distance between the charges and the magnitude of the charges themselves.

2. How is electric dipole moment calculated?

The electric dipole moment is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the charges by the distance between them, and then multiplying that by the cosine of the angle between the direction of the charges and the direction of the dipole moment vector.

3. What is the importance of electric dipole moment in physics?

Electric dipole moment is important in physics because it helps describe the behavior of electric charges in a system. It is used to analyze the electric field and potential of a system, and is also important in understanding the behavior of molecules and atoms.

4. Can an electric dipole moment be zero?

Yes, an electric dipole moment can be zero if the two charges have the same magnitude and are located at equal distances from the center. In this case, the dipole moment vector will be cancelled out and the net electric dipole moment will be zero.

5. How is electric dipole moment different from magnetic dipole moment?

Electric dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges, while magnetic dipole moment is a measure of the strength and direction of a magnetic field. Electric dipole moment involves charges, while magnetic dipole moment involves current. Additionally, electric dipole moment is a vector quantity while magnetic dipole moment is a pseudovector, meaning it does not follow the right-hand rule for vector cross products.

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