Need some checking on these Multiple choice questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around multiple-choice questions related to electric fields and potential energy in dipoles. Participants are attempting to analyze the accuracy of their selected answers and the reasoning behind their rankings of dipoles based on potential energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about their answers and reasoning, particularly regarding the ranking of dipoles. They discuss the implications of distance from charges on potential energy and question how to combine different factors into a single ranking.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of reasoning and assumptions, with participants questioning each other's logic and seeking clarification on how to evaluate the potential energy of dipoles. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of electric fields and potential energy, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of ranking dipoles based on potential energy, with some expressing confusion about the criteria for their rankings and the relationships between different dipoles. The discussion reflects a mix of personal interpretations and attempts to reconcile differing viewpoints.

catch22
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Homework Statement


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For #5, I added option E, it's the same as B, but the charges are switched around.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]

1) Even though A and B look similar, B seems more accurate. The arrows in the corner of A don't seem to point directly to the corner.

2) plugging in values for x and y, answer should be B

3) D, the electric field is independent of the test charge.

4) Most unsure with this one, but I think the answer is C because the bounds looks correct there.

5) So I added option E, but option B is my answer.
If I were to rank the dipoles from highest potential energy: B > E > A > C > D.
 
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catch22 said:
1) Even though A and B look similar, B seems more accurate. The arrows in the corner of A don't seem to point directly to the corner.

2) plugging in values for x and y, answer should be B

3) D, the electric field is independent of the test charge.
Correct.
catch22 said:
4) Most unsure with this one, but I think the answer is C because the bounds looks correct there.
Right, as long as the integrand doesn't include a shift (e. g. (x-d)2 in the denominator).
catch22 said:
5) So I added option E, but option B is my answer.
If I were to rank the dipoles from highest potential energy: B > E > A > C > D.
How did you get that order? In particular, where is the difference between A and C, or D and E?
 
mfb said:
Correct.
Right, as long as the integrand doesn't include a shift (e. g. (x-d)2 in the denominator).
How did you get that order? In particular, where is the difference between A and C, or D and E?
I look at how far the negative charge is from the positive plate, as the distance increases, the potential increases. The same for positive charge from negative plate. Is the order wrong?
 
catch22 said:
I look at how far the negative charge is from the positive plate, as the distance increases, the potential increases. The same for positive charge from negative plate.
How do you combine the two different things then?
catch22 said:
Is the order wrong?
It is.
 
mfb said:
How do you combine the two different things then?
It is.
can you specify what two different things?
 
I look at how far the negative charge is from the positive plate, as the distance increases, the potential increases.
One.
The same for positive charge from negative plate.
Two
 
mfb said:
One.
Two
I don't know if my reasoning is correct, but for this case, that is what I used.
For example, look at B and E, the midpoints of each dipole is at the same height from the positive plate but B's negative charge is higher than the negative charge of E.

Again, I don't know the answer, I don't even know if my reasoning is right.
 
I think of the positive plate as the floor, and the negative charge is a baseball. If the baseball is higher up in the air, the potential energy is higher. If the baseball is on the floor, PE is 0.
 
Last edited:
Ok, after doing more reading on dipoles.

the order should be B>D> A=C

and E probably is between B and D? I'm not sure.
 
  • #10
A=C is right.
Why D>A?

catch22 said:
I don't know if my reasoning is correct, but for this case, that is what I used.
Your explanation is missing something, so I don't know where the error is.
"I compare two persons by body height and by weight, and then rank them on a single scale" - how do you combine the two measurements to a single ranking system?
 

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