Electric Field Direction At The Center Of a Dipole?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the direction of the electric field at the center of an electric dipole. It establishes that the electric field direction is from the positive charge to the negative charge, which is opposite to the direction of the electric dipole moment, defined as from the negative to the positive charge. The conversation also distinguishes between electric dipoles and magnetic dipoles, noting that for magnetic dipoles, the magnetic field direction aligns with the dipole moment. This fundamental difference is crucial for understanding dipole behavior in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric dipoles and dipole moments
  • Knowledge of electric field direction conventions
  • Familiarity with magnetic dipoles and their properties
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical representation of electric dipoles and their fields
  • Learn about the behavior of magnetic dipoles in external fields
  • Explore the applications of dipole theory in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the differences between electric and magnetic fields in detail
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and professionals in electromagnetism, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of dipole behavior and electric field dynamics.

rithusoumyaj
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Ok we know for a Dipole the direction of Electric Field for points on the the dipole axis is in the direction of Dipole Moment(from -ve to +ve charge) rite? Now we also know that fields emanate from +ve charge and extend towards -ve charge. So what will be the direction of Electric Field at the center of Dipole? In the direction of Dipole Moment(ie. from -ve to +ve) or from +ve charge to -ve charge(electric fields originate from the +ve charge and extends towards -ve charge rite?):confused:
Please clear my misconception?


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Opposite of the dipole moment. Your first sentence is valid for magnetic dipoles, and this is the fundamental difference between the two.
 
Dickfore said:
Opposite of the dipole moment. Your first sentence is valid for magnetic dipoles, and this is the fundamental difference between the two.
Fundamental difference between two??
Magnetic dipole? What other kinds of dipoles are there?
So you mean for a magnetic dipole the direction of electric field at the center is in the direction of dipole moment?
Please be clear.
 
For a magnetic dipole, the direction of the magnetic field is the same as the direction of the magnetic dipole moment at the center of the dipole.

For electric dipoles, the direction of the electric field, being always from the positive to the negative charge, is directed oppositely from the direction of the electric dipole moment at its center, being conventionally chosen to be from the negative to the positive charge.
 
Dickfore said:
For a magnetic dipole, the direction of the magnetic field is the same as the direction of the magnetic dipole moment at the center of the dipole.

For electric dipoles, the direction of the electric field, being always from the positive to the negative charge, is directed oppositely from the direction of the electric dipole moment at its center, being conventionally chosen to be from the negative to the positive charge.
Got it :)
Thanks
 

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