Definition

1. Noun:
   • A measure of the separation of positive and negative electrical charges within a system: The electric dipole moment is a vector quantity that measures the strength and orientation of an electric dipole. It is defined as the product of the magnitude of either charge and the distance separating them, with its direction pointing from the negative to the positive charge.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The electric dipole moment of a water molecule explains its polarity.
  • Scientists measured the molecule's electric dipole moment to understand its interaction with electric fields.
  • A non-zero electric dipole moment in a fundamental particle would have profound implications for physics.

Advanced Usage

• "To have an electric dipole moment": To possess a measurable separation of charge.
  • For a molecule to be polar, it must have a permanent electric dipole moment.
• "The magnitude of the electric dipole moment": Refers to the numerical value of this vector, ignoring its direction.
  • The magnitude of the electric dipole moment is calculated as charge multiplied by displacement.

Variants and Related Words

• Dipole moment (n): A more general term that can refer to either electric or magnetic dipole moments. The electric dipole moment is a specific type.
• Electric dipole (n): A pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a small distance. The electric dipole moment is the primary characteristic of this arrangement.
• Polar molecule (n): A molecule that possesses a permanent electric dipole moment.

Synonyms

• Dipole moment (when the context clearly refers to an electrical system).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Permanent dipole moment: An electric dipole moment that exists inherently in a molecule or system, even in the absence of an external field.
  • Water has a permanent dipole moment due to its asymmetric shape.
• Induced dipole moment: An electric dipole moment that is created or temporarily formed when an external electric field distorts the charge distribution of a normally non-polar particle.
  • The electric field induces a dipole moment in the atom.

Noun

1. the dipole moment in an electric dipole