Got stuck Electric Potential due to Dipole

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential due to a tiny dipole with a dipole moment of 6.0×10^−30 C*m at a specified distance. For part a, the potential along the axis near the positive charge was calculated as 4.2 x 10^-3 V. Participants expressed uncertainty in part b, which involves calculating the potential at a point 45 degrees above the axis, suggesting the need to determine a new distance based on the angle. The conversation emphasizes the importance of drawing diagrams and calculating distances from each charge to find the total potential, while also considering the signs of the potentials from positive and negative charges. The discussion highlights the necessity of approximations due to the dipole's small size.
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Homework Statement


Calculate the electric potential due to a tiny dipole whose dipole moment is 6.0×10^−30 C*m at a point 3.6×10^−9 m away for the following cases.

a) This point is along the axis of the dipole nearer the positive charge.

b) This point is 45 degrees above the axis but nearer the positive charge.

c) This point is 45 degrees above the axis but nearer the negative charge. Let V = 0 at r = infinity .


Homework Equations



For part a) I used p = q*d, where p is the dipole moment, q is the charge, and d is displacement. Then used (1/(4*pi*E))*(q/d), where E is the permittivity of free space constant, 8.85 x 10^-12

For part b) I got stuck on this part, I know I have to use the given 45 degrees, perhaps to find a new value for d?

Im not as familiar as I would like to be with the subject, any help or explanation welcome.

The Attempt at a Solution



a) V = 4.2 x 10^-3
b) V = ?
c) V = ?
 
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for part b and c:
1.draw a neat diagram.
2.calculate the distance of the point at which the potential is to be calculated from each charged end of the dipole.
3. assume the charge and the separation of the charges of dipole.
4.relate this with the dipole moment given ( u can replace this in the eqn. u find later).
5.now find the potential at the point due each charge ( remember to take opposite sign of potential for +ve and -ve charges of the dipole).
6 add this to get the result.
** as the dipole is tiny, may be, u will require to neglect square and higher power of l, the separation of charges of dipole or any other approximation of the sort. i hav'nt done the problem physically, so i cannot be certain.
 
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