Consider the two configurations of eight dipoles above. Each dipole has two char

Question

Consider the two configurations of eight dipoles above. Each dipole has two charges + q_0 and - q_0 separated by a fixed distance D. In Configuration 1, the applied field is E_0. In Configuration 2, the applied field is twice this. (a) Calculate the total potential energy of each configuration in terms of the given parameters. Which of the two configurations has the greatest potential energy? Assume that theta corresponds to an acute angle as shown. (b): Calculate the total net torque applied to all of the dipoles for each configuration. In each case, what is the direction of the net torque vector?

Explanation / Answer

Assuming green as negative charge

Potential energy=-pEcos(theta)

p=qD

For configuration 1

Total potential energy=-pE-pEcos(theta)+0-pEcos(180-theta)=-pE=-qDE

For configuration 2

Total potential energy=-2pE-2pEcos(theta)+0-2pEcos(180-theta)=-2qDE

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