Potential Energy of Dipole in Electric Field

[peaceandlove]

Homework Statement

A dipole of moment 0.7 e * nm is placed in a uniform electric field with a magnitude of 50000 N/C. Find the potential energy of the dipole in the electric field at 60 degrees. Answer in units of J.

Homework Equations

-pE cos (theta)

The Attempt at a Solution

I found the magnitude of the torque on the dipole when it makes an angle of 60 degrees with the electric field to be 4.8497423e-24 N*m. (This I know to be correct.) I then used the equation -pE cos (theta) to get 2.8e-24 for the potential energy. However, I keep being told that this is incorrect.

 

[LowlyPion]

Homework Statement

A dipole of moment 0.7 e * nm is placed in a uniform electric field with a magnitude of 50000 N/C. Find the potential energy of the dipole in the electric field at 60 degrees. Answer in units of J.

Homework Equations

-pE cos (theta)

The Attempt at a Solution

I found the magnitude of the torque on the dipole when it makes an angle of 60 degrees with the electric field to be 4.8497423e-24 N*m. (This I know to be correct.) I then used the equation -pE cos (theta) to get 2.8e-24 for the potential energy. However, I keep being told that this is incorrect.

Don't they give you the dipole moment p directly as a given "0.7 e * nm" ?

Isn't that the dipole moment you use in

U = -p*E*cosθ

 

[nlightner]

As a scientist, it is important to carefully consider all factors and variables in order to accurately solve a problem. In this case, it is important to first clarify the units used for the dipole moment and the electric field. Is the dipole moment given in units of coulomb-meters (C*m) or electron-nanometers (e*nm)? Similarly, is the electric field given in units of newtons per coulomb (N/C) or newtons per electron (N/e)? This clarification is important because the equations used to calculate potential energy may differ depending on the units used.

Additionally, it is important to consider the direction of the dipole moment and the direction of the electric field when calculating potential energy. The equation -pE cos (theta) assumes that the dipole moment and the electric field are in the same direction. If they are not, then the equation may need to be modified.

Furthermore, it is important to double check all calculations to ensure accuracy. It may also be helpful to use multiple equations or approaches to solve the problem and compare the results.

In conclusion, it is important to carefully consider all factors and variables when solving a scientific problem, and to double check all calculations to ensure accuracy. By doing so, we can confidently provide a response to the given content and ensure that our scientific understanding is accurate and reliable.