A dipole is placed in an electric field as shown. In which direction will it move ?
- towards the left as its potential energy will increase.
- towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.
- towards the left as its potential energy will decrease.
- towards the right as its potential energy will increase.
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The given problem involves a dipole placed in an electric field. To determine the direction in which the dipole will move, we need to consider the behavior of a dipole in an electric field.
When a dipole is placed in an electric field, the dipole experiences a torque that tends to align it with the field. The potential energy of the dipole in an electric field is given by:
U = -p · E
Where:
- p is the dipole moment vector,
- E is the electric field vector,
- U is the potential energy.
The dipole will move towards the direction where its potential energy decreases. This happens when the dipole rotates to align with the electric field, minimizing its potential energy.
In this case, as the dipole aligns with the electric field, it moves towards the right, where the potential energy is lower.
Final Answer:
The dipole will move towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.
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Concepts Used:
Electric Dipole
An electric dipole is a pair of equal and opposite point charges -q and q, separated by a distance of 2a. The direction from q to -q is said to be the direction in space.
p=q×2a
where,
p denotes the electric dipole moment, pointing from the negative charge to the positive charge.
Force Applied on Electric Dipole
