Find the electrostatic interaction energy between the dipole

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electrostatic interaction energy between two dipoles positioned in one dimension. The dipoles are defined with specific coordinates: one dipole at (-D/2, 0) and (+D/2, 0), and the other at (r-d/2, 0) and (r+d/2, 0). The derived formula for the total electrostatic interaction energy, when r is significantly greater than both d and D, is V = – [1/2(Pi)*(epsilon nought)](QD)(qd)/r^3. Participants emphasize the importance of considering the potential contributions from each dipole and suggest simplifying terms that become negligible in the limit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and dipole interactions
  • Familiarity with the concept of electrostatic potential
  • Knowledge of limits in mathematical expressions
  • Basic proficiency in vector calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electrostatic potential from point charges
  • Learn about dipole approximation in electrostatics
  • Explore the implications of the limit r >> d and D in dipole interactions
  • Investigate the role of epsilon nought in electrostatic equations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying electrostatics, as well as educators and researchers interested in dipole interactions and electrostatic potential calculations.

Poirot
Messages
87
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement



Consider the following pair of dipoles in one dimension.
One of the dipoles: -ve dipole positioned at (-D/2, 0) and +ve (+D/2, 0), with the origin between them.
Other dipole: -ve dipole positioned at (r-d/2, 0) and +ve at (r+d/2, 0), with (r, 0) being the centre.

Show that the total electrostatic interaction energy between the dipoles, when r is much greater than both d and D, is given by, V = – [1/2(Pi)*(epsilon nought)](QD)(qd)/r^3.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I have attempted this question by considering a point x between the dipoles and finding the Electrostatic potential caused by each of the ends of the dipole. This ended up with 4 terms in a summation and I'm struggling to see how the correct answer is a multiplication? I believe some of the terms can be taken as zero when they are squared (in the limit where r>>d and D) but I'm not sure how to get to this step.

I would appreciate a push in the right direction, thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint : You can use the field of one of the dipoles to find the potential developed for each charge on the other dipole ( to get to the appropriate distance from fromer dipole), and then add the two potentials thus obtained.

Hope this helps.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K