DIPOLE Meaning and
Definition
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A dipole is a concept employed in physics and chemistry to describe a distribution of electric charge or magnetic polarity. It is characterized by two equal and opposite charges or poles separated by a distance. The term "dipole" is derived from the Greek words "di," meaning two, and "polos," meaning pole.
In the context of electric charges, a dipole consists of two electric charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign. These charges may be point charges or partial charges within atoms or molecules. The distance between the charges serves as the dipole moment, and it indicates the strength and direction of the dipole. The dipole moment is measured in units of the Coulomb-meter (C·m).
Dipoles play a crucial role in various scientific phenomena. In electric fields, a dipole aligns itself with the electric field lines, with its positive pole pointing towards the negative charges and vice versa. This property allows dipoles to interact and experience forces within electric fields through attractions or repulsions. Dipoles are also encountered in certain types of molecules, referred to as polar molecules, where the presence of polar bonds results in an overall molecular dipole.
In the realm of magnetism, a dipole represents the fields produced by two magnetic poles, namely a north and south pole, idealized as point sources. They possess magnetic moments or strengths that generate magnetic fields, which follow the magnetic field lines surrounding them. Magnetic dipoles are used to describe magnetic materials, such as magnets or those exhibiting ferromagnetism, and are the foundation for understanding the behavior of magnetic fields, including their interactions and applications.
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Etymology of DIPOLE
The word "dipole" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "di", meaning "two", and "polos", meaning "axis" or "pole". It derives from the concept that a dipole consists of two opposite poles or charges.
Similar spelling words for DIPOLE
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