Potential Energy for a Magnetic Dipole: Difference between revisions
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==The Main Idea== | ==The Main Idea== | ||
If a magnetic dipole is allowed to pivot freely without any outside forces, then it will match it's alignment with the applied magnetic field. The system favors a state of lower potential so the aligned magnetic dipole is associated with a lower potential energy in the applied magnetic field. By calculating how much work it takes to move a magnetic dipole out of alignment, we will have a measure of the increased potential energy for a dipole that is out of alignment. | If a magnetic dipole is allowed to pivot freely without any outside forces, then it will match it's alignment with the applied magnetic field. The system favors a state of lower potential so the aligned magnetic dipole is associated with a lower potential energy in the applied magnetic field. Think of how a magnets interact with each other when inched closer to each other. They'll align in a way so that the north and south ends point in the same direction or have the north end of one magnet touching the south end of the other magnet (state of lowest potential). By calculating how much work it takes to move a magnetic dipole out of alignment, we will have a measure of the increased potential energy for a dipole that is out of alignment. | ||
===A Mathematical Model=== | ===A Mathematical Model=== | ||
Revision as of 17:06, 2 December 2015
Page Claimed by Thomas Henderlong
The Main Idea
If a magnetic dipole is allowed to pivot freely without any outside forces, then it will match it's alignment with the applied magnetic field. The system favors a state of lower potential so the aligned magnetic dipole is associated with a lower potential energy in the applied magnetic field. Think of how a magnets interact with each other when inched closer to each other. They'll align in a way so that the north and south ends point in the same direction or have the north end of one magnet touching the south end of the other magnet (state of lowest potential). By calculating how much work it takes to move a magnetic dipole out of alignment, we will have a measure of the increased potential energy for a dipole that is out of alignment.
A Mathematical Model
What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.
A Computational Model
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