Class 12th Physics 2017 Set3 Delhi Board Paper Solution

Question 16

(i) Obtain the expression for the torque τ experienced by an electric dipole of dipole moment p in a uniform electric field, E.

(ii) What will happen, if the field were not uniform?

Answer

(i) Consider an electric dipole placed in a uniform electric field at an angle θ with the field.

The dipole will experience a torque.

So, the torque produced by two parallel forces qE acting as couple is equal to

τ = qE2 l sinθ 

⇒ − q. E2l.sin θ = pE sin θ          [p =q . 2l]

 

(ii) In case of non-uniform field, force acting on both the ends will not be equal. So, they will act as combination of couple and a net force. In this way, dipole will have both rotational as well as linear motion.

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