What is the Magnitude of the Dipole Moment in a Uniform Electric Field?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the magnitude of the dipole moment P in a uniform electric field of 20 N/C. The potential energy U of the dipole is expressed as U = -p · E, and there is a suggestion to use the maximum potential energy at an angle of 180 degrees for calculations. The need for an integral is mentioned, but the user is unsure how to begin. A correction is noted regarding a factor of 10^-26 that was initially overlooked. The conversation emphasizes using the relationship between potential energy, dipole moment, and the electric field to find the solution.
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Homework Statement


A certain electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field E of magnitude 20 N/C. Figure 22-59 gives the potential energy U of the dipole versus the angle θ between E and the dipole moment P. What is the magnitude of P?


Homework Equations


U=p(dot)E


The Attempt at a Solution


Somehow there is an integral needed to solve this but I don't know where to start. there is also a graph with this question.
 
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i thought...
U=-\vec{p} \cdot \vec{E}
but idk if that really changes much.
 
It does, i was just forgetting to multiply it by the factor of 10^-26 hehe. Thanks.
 
can't you just take Us to be the maximum, and the angle of 180 to be the angle that corresponds to the maximum potential, and plug these into U=-pEcos(theta), along with the magnitude of E?
 
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