Electric PE as a dipole changes its orientation in an electric field

So, the change in potential energy when the dipole changes from parallel to perpendicular is simply the change in the dot product between the dipole moment and the electric field, which is given by the formula: $$\Delta U = -pE\Delta cos\theta = pE\Delta(1-cos\theta)$$ where p is the magnitude of the dipole moment, E is the magnitude of the electric field, and theta is the angle between them. In summary, the change in electric potential energy when the dipole moment changes its orientation from parallel to perpendicular with respect to the electric field is given by the formula: $$\Delta U = pE\Delta(1-cos\theta)$$
  • #1
GodPlaysDice
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Homework Statement


The ammonia molecule (NH3) has a dipole moment of 5.0×10−30C⋅m. Ammonia molecules in the gas phase are placed in a uniform electric field E⃗ with magnitude 1.0×106N/C.
What is the change in electric potential energy when the dipole moment of a molecule changes its orientation with respect to E⃗ from parallel to perpendicular?


Homework Equations


V = U/q
ΔU = -integral([itex]qE dl[/itex])
ΔV = -integral([itex]E dl[/itex])
E(r) = -∇V(r)
I have no idea what the upside down delta is...

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't even know where to start. :confused:
 
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Potential energy of a dipole is given by this formula: $$U = -\stackrel{\rightarrow}{p} \cdot \stackrel{\rightarrow}{E}$$Where U is defined to be zero when the dipole is perpendicular to the field. It's derived from the formula for the torque on the dipole: [itex]\tau = \stackrel{\rightarrow}{p} \times \stackrel{\rightarrow}{E}[/itex], using the relationship [itex]U = -W = -\int^{\theta_{f}}_{\theta_{i}}\tau d\theta[/itex]
 
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FAQ: Electric PE as a dipole changes its orientation in an electric field

1. How does an electric dipole change its orientation in an electric field?

An electric dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a distance. When placed in an electric field, the dipole experiences a torque or turning force that causes it to align with the direction of the field. This is because the positive and negative charges experience different forces and are pulled in opposite directions, resulting in a net torque.

2. What factors affect the magnitude of the torque on an electric dipole in an electric field?

The magnitude of the torque on an electric dipole depends on the strength of the electric field, the magnitude of the charges in the dipole, and the distance between the charges. A stronger electric field or larger charges will result in a larger torque, while increasing the distance between the charges will decrease the torque.

3. How does the orientation of an electric dipole affect its potential energy in an electric field?

The potential energy of an electric dipole in an electric field depends on its orientation. When the dipole is aligned with the field, it has minimum potential energy, while an anti-parallel orientation results in maximum potential energy. This is because the work done by the electric field in reorienting the dipole is equal to the change in potential energy.

4. Can an electric dipole remain in equilibrium in an electric field?

Yes, an electric dipole can be in equilibrium in an electric field if the torque on the dipole is balanced by an equal and opposite torque. This can occur when the dipole is aligned with the electric field or when the dipole is in a state of stable equilibrium, such as when it is perpendicular to the field.

5. What is the relationship between the dipole moment and the electric field strength?

The dipole moment of an electric dipole is defined as the product of the magnitude of the charges and the distance between them. In an electric field, the dipole moment is directly proportional to the strength of the field. This means that a stronger electric field will result in a larger dipole moment and vice versa.

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