Force & Torque on Electric Dipole in Magnetic Field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of force and torque experienced by an electric dipole in the equatorial field of a magnetic dipole. The key equations presented include the magnetic field of a dipole, given by \vec{B}(r) = -\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\cdot\frac{\vec{p_m}}{r^3}, and the force on the electric dipole expressed as \vec{F} = \vec{v}\times(\vec{p_e}\cdot\nabla)\vec{B}(r). Participants confirm that the initial expression for force is correct for non-relativistic speeds, emphasizing the need to evaluate spatial derivatives of \vec{B} before applying conditions specific to the equatorial plane. The torque calculation is also discussed, with the final expression being \vec{M} = \frac{3\mu_0}{4\pi r^5}((\vec{r}\cdot\vec{p_m})(\vec{p_e}\cdot\vec{r}))\vec{v} - (\vec{r}\cdot\vec{v})(\vec{p_e}\cdot\vec{r})\vec{p_m}.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric dipoles and magnetic dipoles
  • Familiarity with vector calculus and spatial derivatives
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their mathematical representations
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism, particularly the Lorentz force law
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  • Study the derivation of the magnetic field of a dipole, specifically \vec{B}(\vec{r})
  • Learn about the evaluation of spatial derivatives in vector fields
  • Explore the implications of non-relativistic speeds on dipole interactions
  • Investigate torque calculations in electromagnetic systems
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Snarlie
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Homework Statement
Equation for an electric dipole in a magnetic field
Relevant Equations
none
Snarlie said:
Homework Statement: An electric dipole is in an equatorial field of a magnetic dipole. What force and torque does the electric dipole feel for its different orientations and different directions of movement.
Homework Equations: Many, written below.

\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}Hi, I need help for this homework. Can you review the following process that I've done and tell me if it is okay or what it is wrong with it.

I'm going to be using a few of different identities where a is a constant vector.
\begin{align}
\nabla f(r) &= \frac{df}{dr}\nabla r \\
\nabla r &= \frac{\vec{r}}{r} \\
\nabla \vec{a} &= \vec{0} \\
(\vec{u} \cdot \nabla)(f\vec{v}) &= \vec{v}(\vec{u} \cdot \nabla f) + f(\vec{u} \cdot \nabla)\vec{v} \\
\vec{u} \times (\vec{v} \times \vec{w}) &= (\vec{u} \cdot \vec{w})\vec{v} - (\vec{u} \cdot \vec{v})\vec{w}
\end{align}
Which I will refrence in the upcoming calculations.

I've attached a file of a sketch.

Lets begin with a magnetic field of a magnetic dipole in its equatorial plane:
\begin{align}
\vec{B}(\vec{r}) &= \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\cdot\frac{3\vec{r}(\vec{p_m}\cdot\vec{r})-\vec{p_m}r^2}{r^5} \\
\vec{p_m}\perp\vec{r} &\Rightarrow \vec{p_m}\cdot\vec{r}=0 \\
\vec{B}(r)&= -\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\cdot\frac{\vec{p_m}}{r^3} \\
\end{align}The force that an electric dipole feels in a magnetic field is:
\begin{align}
\vec{F} &= \vec{v}\times(\vec{p_e}\cdot\nabla)\vec{B}(r) \\
\vec{F} &= \vec{v}\times(\vec{p_e}\cdot\nabla)(-\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\cdot\frac{\vec{p_m}}{r^3}) \\
\vec{F} &= -\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\vec{v}\times(\vec{p_e}\cdot\nabla)(\frac{\vec{p_m}}{r^3}) \\
\vec{F} &\stackrel{(4)}{=} -\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\vec{v}\times(\vec{p_m}(\vec{p_e}\cdot\nabla(\frac{1}{r^3}))+\frac{1}{r^3}(\vec{p_e}\cdot\nabla)\vec{p_m}) \\
\vec{F} &\stackrel{(1),(2),(3)}{=} -\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\vec{v}\times(\frac{-3}{r^5}\vec{p_m}(\vec{p_e}\cdot\vec{r}))
\end{align}
So basically, I have a few problems with the end result. Firstly, I assumed that electric dipole and magnetic dipole are constant vectors. Is this correct? Also, was the inital equation for force on an electric dipole in a magnetic field correct?
My end result tells me that the force on electric dipole is non existent if
\begin{align}
\vec{p_e}\perp\vec{r} &\Rightarrow \vec{p_e}\cdot\vec{r}=0 \\
\end{align}
and in that case also non-dependent on the movement of electric dipole. I find this hard to believe, can someone explain what I did wrong and how to fix it?

I've also calculated the torque:
\begin{align}
\vec{M} &= \vec{r} \times \vec{F} \\
\vec{M} &= \frac{3\mu_0}{4\pi r^5}\vec{r} \times \vec{v} \times (\vec{p_m}(\vec{p_e}\cdot\vec{r})) \\
\vec{M} &\stackrel{(5)}{=} \frac{3\mu_0}{4\pi r^5} ((\vec{r}\cdot\vec{p_m})(\vec{p_e}\cdot\vec{r}))\vec{v} - (\vec{r}\cdot\vec{v})(\vec{p_e}\cdot\vec{r})\vec{p_m})
\end{align}
Would this also be correct? Or is there something wrong with it?

I appreciate all your responses!

Snarlie
 
Last edited:
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Hello Snarlie, :welcome: !

You want to read the PF guidelines -- 'dunno' isn't good enough in this forum !

An electric dipole can be thought of as two opposite charges, separated by a small distance d. What is the force exerted by a magnetic field on an electric charge ?
Snarlie said:
my homework
Complete problem statement ?
 
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Thx for the reply, I'll recreate the post when I have the time to write up all the things I've done.
 
Last edited:
BvU said:
Hello Snarlie, :welcome: !

You want to read the PF guidelines -- 'dunno' isn't good enough in this forum !

An electric dipole can be thought of as two opposite charges, separated by a small distance d. What is the force exerted by a magnetic field on an electric charge ?
Complete problem statement ?

I've re-edited the inital problem, so it has a lot more explanation and I also showcased what I have done. I'am woried though, that since many people saw the first post which had no explanation, they won't give this thread another look. Should I repost the problem in hopes of getting people's attention?
 
Hello, Snarlie. I think your starting expression for the force, equation (9), is correct for non-relativistic speed of the electric dipole.

The force on the electric dipole involves evaluating spatial derivatives of ##\vec B## and then evaluating in the equatorial plane of the magnetic dipole. So, you have to wait until after you take the derivatives before restricting to the equatorial plane. This looks a little messy. I have not tried to do the calculation.
 

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