Force On Dipole
An electric dipole of moment p is placed in a uniform electric field E. What is the maximum torque on it?
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About This Question
- Subject
- physics
- Chapter
- electrostatics
- Topic
- force on dipole
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
pE
- Torque Vector: τ=p×E.
- Magnitude: τ=pEsinθ.
- Maximization: The sine function oscillates between −1 and +1. Its maximum value occurs when the angle θ=90∘ (or 270∘).
- Calculation: τmax=pE×sin(90∘)=pE×1=pE.
- Physical Meaning: The torque attempts to align the dipole moment with the external electric field.
This medium difficulty physics question is from the chapter electrostatics, covering the topic of force on dipole. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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