What is the significance of dipoles in condensed matter physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the significance and conceptual differences of dipoles in physics and chemistry, particularly in the context of condensed matter physics. Participants explore the definitions, applications, and implications of dipoles in both fields, as well as their relevance in various scientific contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the differences between dipoles in physics and chemistry, suggesting that context and the level of study influence the understanding of these concepts.
  • One participant notes that physics often teaches about intrinsic dipoles and dipole models where charge separation approaches zero, while chemistry may focus on polarized molecules.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles behind the terminology used in science, cautioning against overemphasizing semantics.
  • It is mentioned that in condensed matter physics, the concept of dipoles includes both polarized molecules and idealized mathematical point dipoles, indicating a broader application than in introductory contexts.
  • A reference to polarons is made, highlighting their significance in the discussion of dipoles within condensed matter physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of dipoles in physics versus chemistry, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the understanding of dipoles may vary based on the level of education and the specific scientific context, which may lead to different interpretations and applications of the term.

marc32123
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Question about dipoles...

What is the difference between a dipole in physics and a dipole in chemistry?
 
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None.
Depends at what level you are doing it at though - I think physics teaches intrinsic dipoles and dipole models where the separation of charges tends to zero before chemistry does.
 
marc32123 said:
What is the difference between a dipole in physics and a dipole in chemistry?

What brought up this question? Did you come across something that made you think that there might be a difference between the two?

Zz.
 
I am just curious, I really don't know much about dipoles and just started a little research on it because I keep coming across the word in my recent research into chemistry. Same with the word polar or polarity.
 
Figured - the concepts can look different when you start learning about them because context is important to what gets taught.

Note: you need to be careful about attaching too much importance to semantics in science - words often have odd uses because a label got stuck sometime in history. Concentrate on the principles behind the words.
 
Dipoles in chemistry usually refer to polarized molecules, whereas in physics they sometimes are referring to idealized mathematical point dipoles.

However, the concept is identicle - some charge distribution which deviates from spherical symmetry.
 
Wow - that's creepy!
dipole wrote exactly what my first response was...
 
dipole said:
Dipoles in chemistry usually refer to polarized molecules, whereas in physics they sometimes are referring to idealized mathematical point dipoles.

Note that this may be true when dealing with the idealized and simplified situation in the learning of classical E&M. However, it isn't true in general. In condensed matter physics, we certainly deal with polarized molecules, etc., both electric and magnetic. One only need to look at the concept of polarons, introduced by Landau.

Zz.
 

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