# Electromagnetism, force between dipole and grounded plane (1 Viewer)

### Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

#### Antti

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

An electric dipole is located at a certain distance from a grounded plane. What force does the dipole exert on the plane?

(The answer is to be expressed as an equation. No data were given, only the above text)

2. Relevant equations

I am not sure about this, but the course is about "classical" electromagnetism. I would suspect that coulombs law should be used since the question is about the force between charged particles/objects.

$$F = \frac{Q_{1}Q_{2}}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0} r^{2}}$$

3. The attempt at a solution

At first I just thought that the grounded plane would have no net charge and thus the dipole and plane could not affect eachother. I now know that this is isn't true but I'm not sure why. A coursemate told me that the dipole should be treated as two point charges and that they would have equal but opposite charges (mirrored) in the grounded plane. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to ask him further questions.

Thankful for help

Last edited:

#### Roberto Bramb

If M1=Qd is the dipole moment (Q :charge, d:separation as a vector) the potential field is
Having a ground plane, this can be eliminated if you consider an image dipole (symmetrically placed under the ground plane). of moment M2=-M1.
Then the interaction energy will be of the order
W=M1*M2/(4 pi eps r^3)*(angle factor)
where r is the distance between the two dipoles.
F=-dW/dr=3m1m2/(4 pi eps r^4)*(angle factor)
For the angle factor look at classic SMYTHE-Static&DynamicElectricity- McGraw 1968, p.7

### The Physics Forums Way

We Value Quality
• Topics based on mainstream science
• Proper English grammar and spelling
We Value Civility
• Positive and compassionate attitudes
• Patience while debating
We Value Productivity
• Disciplined to remain on-topic
• Recognition of own weaknesses
• Solo and co-op problem solving