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Homework Help: Calculation of dipole moment

  1. Jan 18, 2010 #1

    A dipole of moment 0.50 e · nm is placed in a uniform electric field with a magnitude of 8.0 104 N/C. What is the magnitude of the torque on the dipole for each of the following situations?

    (a) the dipole is aligned with the electric field
    0. N · m (this is correct)

    (b) the dipole is transverse to (perpendicular to) the electric field
    __________. N · m

    (c) the dipole makes an angle of 29.5° with the direction of the electric field
    _______ N · m

    (d) Defining the potential energy to be zero when the dipole is transverse to the electric field, find the potential energy of the dipole in the electric field for the orientations specified in Parts (a) and (c).
    θ = 0°, U = _________

    θ = 29.5°, U = _________ J

    2. Relevant equations

    3. The attempt at a solution
  2. jcsd
  3. Jan 18, 2010 #2


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    What is the relevant equation for the torque on a dipole in an electric field?
  4. Jan 18, 2010 #3
    dqE = pE