JEE Main · 2006 · 30 Apr 2006 · Offline · Electrostatics

A electric dipole is placed at an angle of

3 0^{\circ}

to a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience

(A)a torque only
(B)a translational force only in the direction of the field
(C)a translational force only in a direction normal to the direction of the field
(D)a torque as well as a translational force✓ Correct

Answer: (D)

Solution

A dipole in any field feels a couple that tries to align it, so a torque

τ = p \times E

acts whenever

p

is not along

E

. Here the field is non-uniform, so the two charges of the dipole sit where the field has different strengths and the forces on them no longer cancel, leaving a net translational force as well. The dipole therefore experiences both a torque and a translational force.

JEE Main · 2006 · 30 Apr 2006 · Offline · Single correct option

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