How Is the Net Force Between Two Dipoles Calculated?

Then sum the forces on each charge to find the net force. In the limit a<<x, the force has a magnitude of 6kp^2/x^4, where p=qa is the dipole moment. The force is attractive. In summary, by using Coulomb's law and summing the forces on each charge, the net force between two identical dipoles with charge q and separation a, a distance x apart, can be calculated. In the limit a<<x, the force has a magnitude of 6kp^2/x^4, where p=qa is the dipole moment. The force is attractive.
  • #1
lizardlad
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Homework Statement



Two identical dipoles, each of charge q and separation a, are a distance x apart as shown in Fig. By considering forces between pairs of charges in the different dipoles, calculate the net force between the dipoles. (a) Show that, in the limit a<<x, the force has a magnitude of 6kp^2/x^4, where p=qa is the dipole moment. (b) Is the force attractive or repulsive?

Homework Equations



F= kqq/r^2
E= kp/r^3

__|a_|_________|_a|___
--[- +]----------[- +]--
___|______x_____|____

The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure where to start
 
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  • #2
Use coulomb's law to calculate the force exerted of each of the two charges in one dipole by the other dipole.
 

1. What is a dipole?

A dipole is a term used to describe the separation of positive and negative charges within a molecule or object. This separation creates a dipole moment, which is a measure of the strength and direction of the dipole.

2. How is the force between two dipoles calculated?

The force between two dipoles can be calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. In the case of dipoles, the forces are also dependent on the orientation of the dipoles with respect to each other.

3. What factors affect the strength of the force between two dipoles?

The strength of the force between two dipoles is affected by several factors including the magnitude of the charges, the distance between the dipoles, and the orientation of the dipoles. The closer the dipoles are to each other and the larger their charges, the stronger the force between them will be.

4. How does the direction of the dipoles affect the force between them?

The direction of the dipoles is an important factor in determining the strength of the force between them. If the dipoles are aligned in the same direction, the force will be attractive. However, if the dipoles are aligned in opposite directions, the force will be repulsive.

5. Can the force between two dipoles be canceled out?

Yes, the force between two dipoles can be canceled out if the dipoles are oriented in such a way that their forces are equal and opposite. This can occur when the dipoles are perpendicular to each other, resulting in a net force of zero.

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