Kinematics of a dipole - Wopho Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the kinematics of a point mass charge in the electric field of a dipole, specifically addressing the trajectory calculations. The radial electric field is defined as Er = 2kqd cosθ/R³, and the tangential electric field as Et = kqd sinθ/R³. The equations of motion derived are d²R/dt² = 2B cosθ/R³ and d²θ/dt² = B sinθ/R⁴, where B = kQqd/m. The challenge lies in determining R(t), θ(t), or R(θ) based on initial conditions.

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  • Understanding of electric fields, specifically dipole electric fields
  • Familiarity with differential equations and their applications in physics
  • Knowledge of kinematics and dynamics, particularly F = ma
  • Basic skills in coordinate systems and trajectory analysis
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the dynamics of charged particles in electric fields.

jaumzaum
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This problem is originally from Wopho and its goal is to describe the trajectory of a point mass charge around a dipole.

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2676/fvac.png

First we have to calculate the radial and tangential electric fields made by the dipole (this I've done as well) but when it asks about the trajectory I get confused

I've calculated the radial electric field Er = 2kqd cosθ/R³ and the tangential electric field Et = kqd sinθ/R³

From this I get the following:
Let B = kQqd/m

[itex]\frac{d^{2}R}{dt^{2}} = \frac{2B cosθ}{R^{3} }[/itex]

[itex]\frac{d^{2}θ}{dt^{2}} = \frac{B sinθ}{R^{4} }[/itex]

R initial = D
θ initial = 0
dR/dt initial = 0
dθ/dt initial = V/D

How do I find R(t), θ(t) or R(θ)?

[]'s
John
 
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"describe" or "calculate"? Calculating looks more complicated than the Kepler problem - it could be possible (I don't know), but I would be surprised if there is an easy solution.
 
The trajectory depends on the initial conditions of the charge. What are they?

Other than that I see no particular problem: F = ma with F = qE, E = electric field of a dipole. Set up a coordinarte system with the dipole center at the origin and the dipole direction along the x axis. Write x and y equations. I haven't done the math so maybe that's a challenge.
 
Last edited:

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