Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pair of equal and opposite electric charges separated by a small distance: An "electric dipole" is a fundamental concept in physics describing a system with two charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign (+q and -q), separated by a finite distance. It is characterized by its dipole moment, a vector quantity pointing from the negative to the positive charge.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The water molecule is a classic example of an electric dipole due to its asymmetric charge distribution.
  • The electric field generated by an electric dipole decreases with distance more rapidly than that of a single point charge.

Advanced Usage

• "Dipole moment": The primary measure of an electric dipole's strength and orientation, calculated as the product of the charge magnitude and the separation distance.

  • The dipole moment of the molecule determines how it interacts with an external electric field.

• "To behave as an electric dipole": Describes a system, like an atom in an external field, where charges are displaced, creating a temporary dipole.

  • When placed in an electric field, the neutral atom can behave as an induced electric dipole.

Variants and Related Words

• Dipole (n): A more general term for any pair of equal and opposite poles or charges (e.g., magnetic dipole, electric dipole).
• Electric dipole moment (n): The specific vector quantity defining the electric dipole.

Synonyms

• Diploe: A less common synonym in specialized physics contexts.
• Charge pair: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.

Related Phrases

• Electric dipole radiation: Electromagnetic radiation emitted by an oscillating or accelerating electric dipole.

  • An antenna can be modeled as an oscillating electric dipole for studying its radiation pattern.

• Electric dipole transition: In quantum mechanics, a change in a system's state involving its electric dipole moment, relevant for light absorption/emission.

  • This spectral line corresponds to an allowed electric dipole transition.

Related Idioms

(This term is highly technical and scientific; it is not used in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. a dipole with equal and opposite electric charges