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Derive an expression for the torque acting on an electric dipole of dipole moment  \vec{p}placed in a uniform electric field \vec{E} . Write the direction along which the torque acts.

 

 
 
 
 
 

Answers (1)

Let us consider, the force on either charge be ;-

F=qE

we know, the magnitude of torque is given as ;

\tau = either force \times perpendicular distance between them

therefore,

\tau =qE\; 2a\; \sin \theta  

Such that, p=2qa (From the definition of dipole moment)

 \tau =PE\sin \theta

\tau =p\times E

 The torque is the cross product of dipole moment and electric field. The direction is normal to the paper coming out of it.                                    

Posted by

Safeer PP

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