Why is the dipole moment directed from negative to positive?

In summary, the dipole moment is directed from negative to positive because it aligns with the direction of the external electric field. This is typically based on the rod's external field, rather than the internal field within the rod. The direction of south to north or vice versa has no significance in physics.
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Roxy SCarlet
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Why is the dipole moment directed from negative to positive ?
 
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Roxy SCarlet said:
Why is the dipole moment directed from negative to positive ?
Why is south directed to north? Or the other way? This has no meaning in physics.
 
  • #3
Because that way the direction of the dipole moment vector is aligned with the direction of the external electric field. If you look at a rod that is charged positive at one end and negative at the other you are usually not interested in the internal field present inside the rod. So it makes sense to base the definition of the dipole moment on the external field.
 
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FAQ: Why is the dipole moment directed from negative to positive?

What is a dipole in electrostatics?

A dipole in electrostatics refers to a pair of equal and opposite electric charges separated by a small distance. This results in a net electric dipole moment, which is the measure of the strength and direction of the dipole.

What is the significance of a dipole in electrostatics?

A dipole is important in electrostatics because it helps explain the behavior of electric fields and charges. It also plays a key role in the interaction between two or more charged particles.

How is the electric field affected by a dipole?

The electric field produced by a dipole is directly proportional to the magnitude of the dipole moment and inversely proportional to the cube of the distance from the dipole. This means that the strength of the electric field decreases as the distance from the dipole increases.

Can a dipole be neutralized?

Yes, a dipole can be neutralized by introducing an opposite charge of equal magnitude and distance from the dipole. This will result in a cancellation of the dipole moment and a net zero electric field.

What are some real-life applications of dipoles in electrostatics?

Dipoles are commonly found in everyday objects such as magnets, batteries, and even molecules. They are also used in technologies such as capacitors, antennas, and electronic devices.

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