Consider the electric dipole shown in the figure. Show that the electric field at a distant point on the y axis is

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question
### Understanding the Electric Field of an Electric Dipole

#### Problem Statement
Consider the electric dipole shown in the figure. Show that the electric field at a distant point on the y-axis is approximately given by:

\[ E_x \approx 4k_e \frac{qa}{x^3} \]

#### Explanation
The provided figure illustrates an electric dipole consisting of two charges: a negative charge \(-q\) and a positive charge \(+q\), separated by a distance \(2a\) along the x-axis. The point of interest, where we aim to determine the electric field, is located on the y-axis, at a distance \(x\) from the origin.

##### Figure Description
The figure includes:
- A coordinate system with the x-axis and y-axis.
- Two point charges:
  - A negative charge \(-q\) positioned on the left side at \(-a\) on the x-axis.
  - A positive charge \(+q\) positioned on the right side at \(a\) on the x-axis.
- The distance between the charges is labeled as \(2a\).

#### Using Coulomb's Law
To derive the expression for the electric field at a distant point on the y-axis, Coulomb's Law will be applied. Coulomb’s Law states that the magnitude of the electric field created by a point charge \(q\) at a distance \(r\) is given by:

\[ E = k_e \frac{q}{r^2} \]

where:
- \( E \) is the magnitude of the electric field.
- \( k_e \) (also known as Coulomb's constant) is approximately \( 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{Nm}^2\text{C}^{-2} \).
- \( q \) is the charge.
- \( r \) is the distance from the charge to the point where the electric field is being calculated.

##### Contributions to the Electric Field
For the dipole, the contributions to the electric field from both the positive and negative charges need to be considered. Due to the symmetry of the problem and the distance \(x \gg a\), the resultant field can be approximated.

By evaluating the direction, magnitudes, and combining the components of the electric fields due to each charge, it can be shown mathematically that:

\[ E_x \approx 4k_e \frac
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Electric Field of an Electric Dipole #### Problem Statement Consider the electric dipole shown in the figure. Show that the electric field at a distant point on the y-axis is approximately given by: \[ E_x \approx 4k_e \frac{qa}{x^3} \] #### Explanation The provided figure illustrates an electric dipole consisting of two charges: a negative charge \(-q\) and a positive charge \(+q\), separated by a distance \(2a\) along the x-axis. The point of interest, where we aim to determine the electric field, is located on the y-axis, at a distance \(x\) from the origin. ##### Figure Description The figure includes: - A coordinate system with the x-axis and y-axis. - Two point charges: - A negative charge \(-q\) positioned on the left side at \(-a\) on the x-axis. - A positive charge \(+q\) positioned on the right side at \(a\) on the x-axis. - The distance between the charges is labeled as \(2a\). #### Using Coulomb's Law To derive the expression for the electric field at a distant point on the y-axis, Coulomb's Law will be applied. Coulomb’s Law states that the magnitude of the electric field created by a point charge \(q\) at a distance \(r\) is given by: \[ E = k_e \frac{q}{r^2} \] where: - \( E \) is the magnitude of the electric field. - \( k_e \) (also known as Coulomb's constant) is approximately \( 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{Nm}^2\text{C}^{-2} \). - \( q \) is the charge. - \( r \) is the distance from the charge to the point where the electric field is being calculated. ##### Contributions to the Electric Field For the dipole, the contributions to the electric field from both the positive and negative charges need to be considered. Due to the symmetry of the problem and the distance \(x \gg a\), the resultant field can be approximated. By evaluating the direction, magnitudes, and combining the components of the electric fields due to each charge, it can be shown mathematically that: \[ E_x \approx 4k_e \frac
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Parallel-plate capacitor
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON