Dipolar describes something possessing two poles, regions exhibiting opposing properties or characteristics. This is most commonly used in physics and chemistry to refer to molecules with a separation of electrical charge, creating a positive and a negative pole. However, the term can also be applied metaphorically to describe situations, arguments, or systems with conflicting or opposing forces, ideas, or perspectives. The degree of polarity, whether a strong or weak dipole, influences the behavior and interactions of the object or system.
Dipolar meaning with examples
- Water (H₂O) is a classic example of a dipolar molecule, with oxygen having a slightly negative charge and hydrogen having a slightly positive charge, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds. This polar nature is critical to water's solvent properties and high boiling point.
- The magnetic field of a bar magnet is dipolar, having a distinct north and south pole that exert forces of attraction and repulsion. This polarity allows magnets to interact and guide compass needles.
- In a political debate, opposing viewpoints on an issue often create a dipolar tension, with arguments clustered around two distinct ideological poles: pro and con, liberal and conservative.
- Certain amino acids, like glutamic acid and lysine, have dipolar regions, and their opposite charges contribute to the folding of proteins. This internal dipolar structure dictates the proteins 3D arrangement.
- A capacitor's stored electrical energy is a consequence of charge separation: it is intrinsically dipolar, with charge accumulating on two different plates, each with opposite charge creating the electric field that stores the energy.