Question 36: Electrostats & Capacitance

Question

An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30$$^\circ$$ in a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience

Accepted Answer

When a dipole is placed in a non-uniform electric field, opposite charges of the dipole experiences a force due to E. It is as shown in the figure below
These forces will act in opposite direction. Now, since the electric field is not uniform, so the force experienced by the charges will be unequal.
Hence, their will be a net force acting on the dipole, as they do not cancel each other.
Also, forces on the charges are not linear as shown above. So, they will experience a not non-zero torque. Hence, the dipole will experience both translational force and torque in a non-uniform electric field.

Answer

torque only

Answer

translational force only in the direction of the field

Answer

translational force only in a direction normal to the direction of the field

Answer

torque as well as a translational force

Electrostats & Capacitance

An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30$^\circ$ in a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience

Choose the correct answer: