Force on a Dipole: Calculation and Solution

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    Dipole Force
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the force on a dipole located at a specific point in relation to another dipole aligned along the z-axis. The subject area pertains to electrostatics and dipole interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the electric field affecting the second dipole and question which dipole's electric field should be considered. There is an exploration of the factors contributing to the force experienced by the second dipole.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning the specifics of the electric field involved and its relation to the dipoles. There is no explicit consensus yet, but a productive line of inquiry is being pursued regarding the source of the electric field.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of the dipole arrangement and the interactions between them, with a focus on identifying relevant electric fields. No additional information or constraints have been noted at this time.

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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)
 
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The first step is to identify what causes the force on the second dipole...so what would that be in this case?
 
Electric field
 
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?
 
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
 
Good, so what is the electric field of the first dipole?
 

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