Role of dipoles in electrostatics

Description
It begins with definition of electric fields, pattern of field around positive and negative charge . Superposition principle is explained and used for calculating electric field due to more than one charge. Field pattern of positive charge next to negative charge is represented graphically.After introducing the concept of field lines the comparison between force due to gravity and force on charge in uniform field is done. The concept of electric field due to dipole and how atoms and molecules may behave as dipole is explained.A di[ole is created in the class using a rubber rod and two metal spheres and its properties verified by an electroscope.. Torque on a dipole is discussed both experimentally and theoretically.A demonstration with Van-de-Graaff generator,balloons,and oppositely charged professor shows the presence of electric field.

Prof. Walter Lewin, 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare), http://ocw.mit.edu (Accessed January 14, 2011). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA: http://ocw.mit.edu/terms/#cc