Electric Field Direction At The Center Of a Dipole?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the direction of the electric field at the center of an electric dipole, contrasting it with the behavior of magnetic dipoles. Participants are exploring the fundamental concepts of electric fields and dipole moments.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify the direction of the electric field at the center of a dipole, questioning whether it aligns with the dipole moment or the conventional direction of electric fields. Other participants raise points about the differences between electric and magnetic dipoles, seeking further clarification on these distinctions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the differences between electric and magnetic dipoles, noting that the direction of the electric field at the center of an electric dipole is opposite to the dipole moment. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas, with some participants expressing understanding of the concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the definitions of dipoles and the conventions used in physics regarding electric and magnetic fields. There is an ongoing exploration of these concepts without a definitive resolution yet.

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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