Force on a Dipole: Calculation and Solution

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the force on a second dipole, given the position and orientation of two dipoles. The relevant equation is the integral of the electric field over the charge distribution. The force is caused by the electric field, specifically the electric field of the first dipole.
  • #1
Maxwhale
35
0

Homework Statement



A dipole of moment p is lined up with the z-axis at the origin of coordinates. A second dipole of moment p is at the point (a,0,a) and is pointed towards the origin. What is the force on the second dipole?

Homework Equations



p = [tex]\int r' \rho (r) d \tau '[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried this:

F = v (p. E)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The first step is to identify what causes the force on the second dipole...so what would that be in this case?
 
  • #3
Electric field
 
  • #4
Yes, but what electric field in particular? The electric field due to the second dipole? The electric field due to the first dipole? The electric field due to both dipoles? The electric field due to some strange charge distribution on the far side of the moon?
 
  • #5
haha, of course not from the charge distribution on the far side of the moon.

The second dipole experiences the force due to the first dipole
 
  • #6
Good, so what is the electric field of the first dipole?
 

Related to Force on a Dipole: Calculation and Solution

1. What is a dipole?

A dipole is a type of molecule that has a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other end. This creates a separation of electric charge, resulting in a dipole moment.

2. How is the force on a dipole calculated?

The force on a dipole is calculated by taking the product of the dipole moment and the electric field strength. This can be represented by the equation F = qE, where F is the force, q is the dipole moment, and E is the electric field strength.

3. What factors affect the force on a dipole?

The force on a dipole is affected by the strength of the electric field, the distance between the charges, and the orientation of the dipole relative to the electric field. The force is strongest when the electric field and dipole moment are aligned, and weakest when they are perpendicular.

4. How can the direction of the force on a dipole be determined?

The direction of the force on a dipole can be determined by using the right hand rule. Point your thumb in the direction of the dipole moment and your fingers in the direction of the electric field. The direction of the force will be perpendicular to both your thumb and fingers.

5. What is the significance of calculating the force on a dipole?

Calculating the force on a dipole is important in understanding how molecules behave in an electric field. It can also be used to predict the behavior of substances in different environments, such as in an electric field created by a charged object.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
588
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
544
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
7K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
325
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top