Torque acting on a movable dielectric

In summary, the problem involves a parallel-plate capacitor with a movable dielectric plate that is rotated around the axis centered at point O. The plate has a thickness of h and fills the space between the capacitor plates. A potential difference V is applied to the capacitor and the goal is to find the torque acting on the dielectric plate when it is tilted by an angle alpha. The solution involves viewing the capacitor as one with a changing capacitance and using the energy stored in the capacitor to calculate the torque.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


parallel-plate capacitor consists of two fixed metal semicircles of radius [itex]R[/itex] and a
dielectric plate (susceptibility [itex]\varepsilon[/itex]). The plate is able to rotate without friction around the
axis centered at the point [itex]O[/itex] (axis [itex]O[/itex] is perpendicular to the picture). Plate's thickness is [itex]h[/itex] and the plate is filling all the space between capacitor plates. Constant potential difference [itex]V[/itex] is applied to the capacitor. Find the torque [itex]\tau[/itex] acting on the movable dielectric
plate when it is tilted by the angle [itex]\alpha[/itex] as shown on the picture.

Homework Equations



[itex]\mathbf{\tau}=\mathbf{p}\times\mathbf{E}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not too sure where to begin on this one, but here's what I think is physically going on: Since the dielectric is not completely within the two capacitors, there is a fringe field which is not parallel to the polarization of the dielectric material which is thus creating a torque on the dielectric.
 
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  • #2
Thanks for the post! Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?
 
  • #3
It's okay I have actually solved the question: it was suggested to me by my quantum mechanics TA to view this as a capacitor whose capacitance changes when alpha changes. Then you can use the energy stored in the capacitor and differentiate with respect to alpha in order get the torque :) . Thank you for the response though! Cheers
 

FAQ: Torque acting on a movable dielectric

1. What is torque?

Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the distance from the point of rotation to the point where the force is applied.

2. How does torque act on a movable dielectric?

Torque acting on a movable dielectric is a result of the interaction between an electric field and an electric dipole moment. The dielectric will rotate in response to the electric field, and the torque will be determined by the strength of the field and the orientation of the dipole moment.

3. What factors affect the torque acting on a movable dielectric?

The torque acting on a movable dielectric is influenced by the strength and direction of the electric field, the magnitude and orientation of the dipole moment, and the distance between the two. Additionally, the dielectric constant and permittivity of the material will also impact the torque.

4. How is torque acting on a movable dielectric measured?

The torque acting on a movable dielectric can be measured by using a torsion balance or by observing the rotation of the dielectric in an electric field. The magnitude of the torque can be calculated using the equation T = pEsinθ, where T is the torque, p is the dipole moment, E is the electric field, and θ is the angle between the two.

5. What are some real-world applications of torque acting on a movable dielectric?

Torque acting on a movable dielectric is important in various technologies, such as electric motors, generators, and capacitors. It is also essential in the functioning of many biological systems, such as muscle movement and cell signaling. Additionally, it has applications in the fields of optics, electronics, and material science.

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