3D Dipole Alignment Energy Simulation
Energy changes when dipoles realign in an electric field (3D visualization)
On mobile devices: Use one finger to rotate, two fingers to zoom, and three fingers to pan.
Example 2.6
A substance with dipole moment 10⁻²⁹ C m is polarized by a 10⁶ V/m field. When the field direction changes by 60°, estimate the heat released as dipoles realign.
Initial State
Dipole moment: p = 6×10⁻⁶ C m
Initial energy: Uᵢ = -pEcos(0°) = -6.00 J
Final State
Field angle: θ = 60°
Final energy: U_f = -pEcos(θ) = -3.00 J
Energy Change
ΔU = U_f - Uᵢ = 3.00 J
Heat released = 3.00 J
Key Concepts
- Polar molecules have permanent dipole moments
- External electric fields align dipoles (polarization)
- Potential energy U = -p·E = -pEcosθ
- Energy is released as heat when dipoles realign
- 1 mole contains Avogadro's number of molecules (6×10²³)
