0
$\begingroup$

Potential at Equatorial point of dipole is given 0 in my book(after putting angle = π/2 and cos(π/2) = 0 in formulae
V = (K p cos(x)/r2)
x = angle made my direction vector of point where potential is to be determined with center of dipole
p = dipole moment
R = distance between two charges

I am confused that potential at a point is work done per unit charge in bringing from infinity to that point and suppose if I bring a test charge along the axial line and stops at a point lying on Equatorial line then I have to do work since Electric field was there due to dipole.

enter image description here

Can you please explain me this?

$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

1
$\begingroup$

Consider the movement of a charge $+q$ from infinity, the zero of potential and at first consider the effect that charges $+Q$ and $-Q$ have on charge $+q$ separately.

enter image description here

In relation to charge $+Q$, the work done in moving charge $+q$ from infinity to position $P$ is $\dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \dfrac{Qq}{a}$.
Again in relation to charge $+Q$ no work is done moving charge $+q$ from position $P$ to position $O$.
So, in relation to charge $+Q$, the total work done in moving charge $+q$ from infinity to position $O$ is $\dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \dfrac{Qq}{a}$.
Of course one could just move charge $+q$ from infinity to position $O$ and the work done in relation to charge $+Q$ would be $\dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \dfrac{Qq}{a}$.
Now, in relation to charge $-Q$ the work done in moving charge $+q$ from infinity to position $O$ is $-\dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \dfrac{Qq}{a}$.

So the total work done in moving charge $+q$ from infinity to position $O$ is $\dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \dfrac{Qq}{a}- \dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \dfrac{Qq}{a} = \bf 0$.

$\endgroup$
7
  • $\begingroup$ Why there is no work done in moving from point P to O? And also work done done would be -E.S and direction of field is changing. $\endgroup$ Oct 17, 2022 at 1:34
  • $\begingroup$ The potential due to charge $+Q$ is the same at $P$ and $O$. Another way of thinking about is to note the symmetry of the situation so that positive work is done moving from $P$ to $M$ and the same magnitude of negative work is done from $M$ to $O$ . $\endgroup$
    – Farcher
    Oct 17, 2022 at 7:03
  • $\begingroup$ Potential at point O should be KQ/√5a since √5 a is the distance? $\endgroup$ Oct 17, 2022 at 12:41
  • $\begingroup$ @ShekharDangi ?? In my diagram the distance from $O$ to the charge $+Q$ is labelled as $a$. $\endgroup$
    – Farcher
    Oct 17, 2022 at 12:49
  • $\begingroup$ But how is it a? $\endgroup$ Oct 17, 2022 at 16:20
1
$\begingroup$

then I have to do work since Electric field was there due to dipole.

The work done depends on the direction of the field. If you move perpendicular to the field, no work is done.

If you were to draw field lines for your dipole, you would find the sample path you drew to be everywhere perpendicular to the field. No work is done along this path. If you were to pick some other path, you would find that some portions have positive work and other portions have negative work. It would still sum to zero.

An equivalent way to think of this is that the work done is equal to $q \Delta V$. How do you change the potential? You need to have some component of the path in the direction of the electric field.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.