Oscillations Of A Dipole In Uniform Electric Field: Definition And Explanation

Magnetism is the force that acts on the area around a magnet or moving electric charge where there is magnetism. Magnets, electric currents, and changing electric fields can produce magnetic fields in their vicinity. Electromagnetic fields are produced by moving electric charges and the intrinsic uniform magnetic field moments associated with elementary particles’ fundamental quantum properties. The electromagnetic force is one of four fundamental forces of nature, and both magnetic and electric fields are components of it.

Uniform Magnetic Field 

Field: It is a uniform magnetic field if the intensity and direction of magnetic induction are the same throughout the region. Making a comparatively long cylinder coil can provide a uniform magnetic field. The coil will have a uniform magnetic field all along its length once the current begins to flow. However, there is no uniform magnetic field at the end of the coil. To supply a uniform magnetic field, Helmholtz coils can be purchased. Regardless, the constant uniform magnetic field allows calibration. Magnetic fields over wide areas are common in nature, such as the Earth’s magnetic field.

What is a Dipole Moment?

Whenever there is a separation of charges, there is a dipole moment. Both ionic and covalent bonds can form these bonds. When two chemically bound atoms have different electronegativity, they create dipole moments. Molecular bonds are quantified by their dipole moments, which indicate their polarity. In this scenario, negative and positive charges are separated in a system by the electric dipole moment and uniform magnetic field. Since bond dipole moments have both magnitude and direction, they are vector quantities. It is worth noting that the symbols + and – represent two equal magnitude and opposite sign charges within a molecule. There is a set distance between them, commonly represented by the letter ‘d’. We will also further learn ‘What are dipole oscillations?’ as we know about dipole moments. Bond dipole moments differ from molecule dipole moments in that they occur in individual bonds in a polyatomic molecule instead of together in the molecule. Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction; therefore, they have magnitude and direction.

Dipole Motion in An Electric Field

A dipole is angled with the direction of the electric field when placed in a uniform electric field. 

Due to the action of two opposing parallel forces, the electric dipole is under the influence of torque. Therefore, an electric dipole is only affected by a torque in a uniform electric field. A dipole’s energy is equal to the sum of the energies of its constituents, clearly shown by the formula U=−p⋅E.. Based on this assumption, the dipole’s constituents are very close together compared to the length scale in which the field varies. This is the explanation for ‘ What is the motion of dipole in a uniform electric field?’

Dipoles tend to orient themselves along an electric field, as can be seen here. Furthermore, if the field strength in space is not uniform, the dipole will move in the direction of increasing or decreasing field strength (dependent on the current orientation).

Oscillations of a Dipole in Uniform Electric Field

Radiation from Dipoles in Space. Now you may ask, ‘What are dipole oscillations?’  The oscillating electric dipole may be the most important source of electromagnetic radiation. Localised sources with oscillating current density have electric dipole moments with an angular frequency of the form. 

Conclusion

Magnets, electric currents, and changing electric fields can produce magnetic fields in their vicinity. Electromagnetic fields are produced by moving electric charges and the intrinsic uniform magnetic field moments associated with elementary particles’ fundamental quantum properties. The electromagnetic force is one of four fundamental forces of nature, and both magnetic and electric fields are components of it.