Explore the concept of an electric dipole, a pair of equal and opposite charges that create a dipole moment, influencing the electric potential around them. Understand how molecules like water and HCl exhibit dipole moments due to uneven charge distribution. Learn the calculation of electric potential at a point in space due to a dipole, and how it varies along axial and equatorial lines, with formulas to describe these phenomena.
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An electric dipole is formed by two charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, separated by a distance
Definition of Dipole Moment
The dipole moment is a vector quantity that points from the negative charge to the positive charge and its magnitude is the product of one of the charges and the separation distance
SI Unit for Dipole Moment
The correct SI unit for the dipole moment is the coulomb-meter
Definition of Electric Potential due to a Dipole
The electric potential due to a dipole is the net work needed to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to a specific point against the electric field of the dipole
Calculation of Electric Potential due to a Dipole
The potential at a point due to a dipole is determined by the dipole's electric field and can be calculated using the superposition principle
Electric potential is a scalar quantity that represents the work done per unit charge to move a test charge from a reference point to a specific point within an electric field
Point Charge
The potential at a point due to a point charge is inversely proportional to the distance from the charge and directly proportional to the charge itself
Dipole
The potential at a point due to a dipole is determined by the dipole moment and the distance from the dipole
The potential due to a dipole is maximal along the axial line and null along the equatorial line, highlighting the directional dependence of a dipole's influence on the electric potential in its environment
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Electric potential unit of measurement
Measured in volts (V), where one volt equals one joule per coulomb (J/C).
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Formula for electric potential due to a point charge
V = (1 / (4πε₀)) * (q / r), where V is electric potential, q is charge, r is distance, ε₀ is permittivity of free space.
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Direction of charge movement in electric potential
Charges move from higher to lower potential; movement stops when potential difference is zero.
