Two dipoles on an axis. There is one point where the E field vanishes.

In summary: We're still confused :(If you put the origin at the position of the bigger dipole - can you write the equation for the combined field at position x?We're still confused :(
  • #1
_Chemicals_
5
0

Homework Statement


49sNn.png

THE ANSWER IS C

Homework Equations


None given. Pondering:

E=(1/(2(pi)εnaught))(σ/z^3)
p=qd
U=-p dotprod E

The Attempt at a Solution


We have attempted many variations of the above equations to try and find the answer. We are just seeking a point in the right direction as we are currently reviewing for a final. Any help is appreciated, thank you!
 
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  • #2
_Chemicals_ said:

Homework Statement


49sNn.png

THE ANSWER IS C


Homework Equations


None given. Pondering:

E=(1/(2(pi)εnaught))(σ/z^3)
p=qd
U=-p dotprod E


The Attempt at a Solution


We have attempted many variations of the above equations to try and find the answer. We are just seeking a point in the right direction as we are currently reviewing for a final. Any help is appreciated, thank you!

The relevant equation is given in the problem text:
the magnitude of each dipole field along the axis can be approximated by 2p/(4πε0x3) where x is the distance between the observation point and the dipole
. You have two dipoles, one of magnitude p1=27 Cm, the other p2=1Cm at distance L from each other. What is their resultant field at distance x from the bigger one?

ehild
 
  • #3
We're still confused :(
 
  • #4
If you put the origin at the position of the bigger dipole - can you write the equation for the combined field at position x?
 
  • #5
_Chemicals_ said:
We're still confused :(

What confuses you? :smile:

You certainly know what a dipole is: you can imagine it like a compass, but it is electric instead of being magnetic. There is an electric field around it, as if it were a pair of charge, a positive and a negative, some small distance apart. You also know that the electric field strength is the force exerted on unit positive charge: it has direction. Place a positive charge at distance x to the right from the 27Cm dipole. What is the direction of the force it exerts on the charge? What is the direction of the force the other dipole exerts?

ehild
 

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1. What are dipoles and how are they formed?

Dipoles are formed when there is a separation of positive and negative charges within a molecule. This can occur due to differences in electronegativity between atoms or due to an external electric field.

2. How does the placement of two dipoles on an axis affect the electric field?

The placement of two dipoles on an axis can result in the cancellation of the electric field at certain points. This occurs when the two dipoles are aligned in opposite directions and the electric field vectors cancel out.

3. Is there a specific point where the electric field vanishes for two dipoles on an axis?

Yes, there is a specific point where the electric field vanishes for two dipoles on an axis. This point is located on the axis between the two dipoles and is determined by the distance between the dipoles and their strengths.

4. What factors affect the location of the point where the electric field vanishes for two dipoles on an axis?

The location of the point where the electric field vanishes for two dipoles on an axis is affected by the distance between the dipoles, the strengths of the dipoles, and the alignment of the dipoles. The closer the dipoles are to each other, the stronger the electric field at the point of cancellation.

5. How is the electric field at the point of cancellation affected if the dipoles have different strengths?

If the dipoles on the axis have different strengths, the electric field at the point of cancellation will not completely vanish. Instead, it will be reduced in magnitude compared to the case where the dipoles have equal strengths. The electric field at this point is also influenced by the distance between the dipoles and their alignment.

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