How do I calculate the potential created by a dipole

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential created by a dipole consisting of a positive charge of 1 nC at x=0.25 m and a negative charge of -1 nC at x=-0.25 m. The potential at any point along the x-axis is determined using the formula $$V=\frac{kq}{|r|}$$, where ##r## is the distance from the charge to the point of interest. To find the total dipole potential, one must sum the potentials from both charges, taking into account their signs. The potential is expressed in volts when inputs are in SI units.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and dipoles
  • Familiarity with the formula $$V=\frac{kq}{|r|}$$
  • Knowledge of SI units for charge and distance
  • Basic concepts of electrostatics and scalar quantities
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about electric dipole moments and their significance
  • Study the concept of superposition in electric fields
  • Explore the relationship between electric potential and electric field
  • Investigate the conversion of electric potential units from joules per coulomb to volts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric dipole potentials and their calculations.

vbrasic
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Homework Statement


I'm given that there is a positive charge of 1 nC at x=0.25 m and a negative charge of -1 nC at x=-0.25 m. I've calculated the potential created at different points along the x-axis by the positive charge and the negative charge using the formula, $$V=\frac{kq}{|r|},$$ where ##r## is the distance from the charge to the point of interest. For example the electric potential at r=5 m, due to the positive charge would be $$\frac{k*1nC}{4.75}.$$

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Am I supposed to just add the two potentials to get the electric dipole potential? How do I get the value in volts?
 
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vbrasic said:

Homework Statement


I'm given that there is a positive charge of 1 nC at x=0.25 m and a negative charge of -1 nC at x=-0.25 m. I've calculated the potential created at different points along the x-axis by the positive charge and the negative charge using the formula, $$V=\frac{kq}{|r|},$$ where ##r## is the distance from the charge to the point of interest. For example the electric potential at r=5 m, due to the positive charge would be $$\frac{k*1nC}{4.75}.$$

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Am I supposed to just add the two potentials to get the electric dipole potential? How do I get the value in volts?
Yes. To get the dipole potential, find the potential at point (x,y,z) due to each charge and then add the two values together.
Your equation $$V=\frac{kq}{|r|}$$ gives potential in volts if the inputs are in SI units. How would you convert the inputs to SI units?
 
vbrasic said:
Am I supposed to just add the two potentials to get the electric dipole potential? How do I get the value in volts?

electrostatic potentials due to charges are scalars and can be added as numbers of course with their signs as to due to positive or negative charges.
I think it's dimension is of energy , therefore can be expressed as joule/coulomb. so you can convert it in other units using the definition.
 

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