Why Are Dipole Forces Not Collinear in a Uniform Electric Field?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electric dipoles in a uniform electric field, specifically addressing why the forces acting on the dipole are not collinear. Participants are examining the implications of torque and force vectors in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the nature of the forces acting on a dipole in a uniform electric field, particularly focusing on the conditions under which the forces are parallel or collinear. There are attempts to visualize the situation through drawings of force vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion about the provided answers and seeking clarification on the concepts of torque and force vectors. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the alignment of the dipole and the resulting forces.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the answer they received is unclear, which may be contributing to the confusion. The discussion is framed within the constraints of understanding the behavior of dipoles in electric fields, without providing definitive solutions.

Masafi
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I have attached the question, and the answer. I don't understand the answer given.
 

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Masafi said:
I have attached the question, and the answer. I don't understand the answer given.

I agree that the answer is a bit obtuse, but do you understand how there is a torque on an electric dipole in an E-field? You can draw the F=qE force vectors if that helps...
 
berkeman said:
I agree that the answer is a bit obtuse, but do you understand how there is a torque on an electric dipole in an E-field? You can draw the F=qE force vectors if that helps...

It is an uniform electric field, but the forces are not collinear... Why is this?
 
Masafi said:
It is an uniform electric field, but the forces are not collinear... Why is this?

The forces are parallel when the dipole is sideways to the field, and colinear after the dipole aligns with the field. Can you draw the forces on a dipole, and describe what those forces will do to the dipole?
 

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