An electric dipole consists of a positive and negative charge. The two charges a

Question

An electric dipole consists of a positive and negative charge. The two charges are aligned such that a horizontal line passes through each of the charges as shown in the diagram and the distance separating the two charges is d = 32.00 cm. The positive charge has a charge of +33.40 C and the charge on the negative charge is -33.40 C.

Calculate the magnitude of the force on a proton placed at a point a distance d = 32.00 cm directly to the left of the negative charge. (in N)

What is the direction of the force on a proton placed at a point a distance d = 32.00 cm directly to the left of the negative charge?

Explanation / Answer

d = distance to the left of negative charge = 0.32 m

2a = length of dipole = 0.32 m

q = charge on dipole = 33.40 x 10-6 C

p = dipole moment = q (2a) = (33.40 x 10-6 ) (0.32) = 10.7 x 10-6

r = distance of proton from center of dipole = a + L = 0.16 + 0.32 = 0.48 m

electrioc field at the location of proton by the dipole is given as

E = k p (2r)/(r2 - a2)2 = (9 x 109) (10.7 x 10-6) (2 x 0.48) /((0.48)2 - (0.16)2)2

E = 2.204 x 106 N/C

electric force on proton is given as

F = qpE = (1.6 x 10-19) (2.204 x 106) = 3.52 x 10-13 N

b)

direction of electric field is from left to right . proton is a positive charge and hence experience the force in same direction as the electric field.

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