The net force on the dipole is zero. The electric field exerts a torque on the dipole which causes it to rotate. The figure shows an electric dipole placed in a uniform external electric field. The torque causes the dipole to rotate until it is aligned with the electric field, as shown.
When an electric dipole is placed in an external electric field the dipole?
It is interesting to learn that, a dipole placed in an external electric field acquires a rotating effect. This rotating effect is termed as ‘torque’ felt by the dipole. Excitingly, the net torque can be calculated on the opposite charges present in a dipole for estimating the overall rotation.
What happens when a dipole is placed in a uniform external field?
Even if we change the orientation, the length and the charge of the dipole, the net force on the dipole will be equal to zero. Hence, the electric force on a dipole when it is placed in a uniform electric field is always zero.
When an electric dipole is in an external electric field it will?
When a dipole is in the presence of an external electric field, the dipole will be unaffected, because it has a net charge of zero.
How does a dipole behave in electric field?
In an electric field a dipole undergoes a torque, tending to rotate so that its axis becomes aligned with the direction of the electric field. … The electric dipole moment, a vector, is directed along the line from negative charge toward positive charge.
What is the formula of torque in electric field?
An electric dipole in an electric field that is external is subjected to a torque written as τ = pE sin θ where symbol θ is the angle which is between p and E. The torque tends to align the moment of the dipole p in the direction of E.
When an electric dipole is held at an angle in a uniform electric field?
1) the forces experienced by the 2 charges constituting the electric dipole when placed in an uniform external electric field are equal and opposite in nature, the net force on the dipole is zero. No torque act on the dipole when the moment of electric dipole is parallel to the electric field.
When a uniform field is a dipole experience?
Now, In a uniform electric field, both the point charges comprising the dipole will experience force, equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. Though the net force will always be zero, the torque will be in the same direction for both the charges. Hence torque will not be zero.
What is an electric dipole give two examples?
Dipole-dipole forces are the attraction between the positive end of one molecule and the negative end of another. Ammonia molecule (NH 3) is an example of electric dipole.In NH 3, the centre of mass of positive charge and centre of mass of negative charge are some distance apart hence resulting in a dipole.
At what position is the electric dipole in uniform electric field is its most stable equilibrium position?
The dipole is in constant equilibrium if θ = 0. A dipole in stable equilibrium, when Electric filed and dipole moment are perpendicular to each other i.e. the angle between them is zero degrees and torque will be maximum.