- #1
Blue Kangaroo
- 41
- 1
Homework Statement
A neutral atom with known polarizability α is located at the origin. A point charge Q is situated on the y-axis a large distance d from the atom. (The atom therefore becomes polarized due to the electric field of the point charge.)
(a) Find the electric field due to the atom. Use the dipole approximation and write the answer using spherical coordinates.
(b) What is the force on the point charge due to the atom? Write the direction of the force using rectangular coordinates.
(c) What is the force on the atom due to the point charge?
Homework Equations
p=qd
F=(p⋅∇)E
The Attempt at a Solution
I've uploaded a picture of what I believe is the dipole approximation as well as a sketch of the problem, along with what I have so far for part a. However, I feel as if I've simplified it too much and made a mistake.
For anyone who may have trouble reading my answer, I got E(r)= (Q/(4πε0r3))(r hat +2d)
Then I think the answers for (b) and (c) will be equal and opposite, but I'm not quite sure of how to get them yet.