Question

An electric dipole consists of two charges of 0.1 micro C and -0. 1

micro C separated by a distance of 2.0 cm. The dipole is placed in an

external field of 10 raise to the power 5 N/C. What max torque does the

field exert on the dipole?​

Answer 1

An electric dipole consists of two opposite charges each of magnitude 1.0 x 10-6​C separated by 2 cm. · (i) the maximum torque exerted by the field ...  

Here, q = 1 x 10-6C, 2a = 2 cm = 0.02m

Answer 2

Answer:

0.2 x 10^(-3) C m

Explanation:

Dipole moment(p) = 2lq = dq

Dipole moment = (2cm)(0.1u C)

Dipole moment = 0.2 x 10^(-8) C m

Electric field(E) = 10^(5) N/C

Using torque = p x E (vector product)

=> torque = pEsin∅

For torque to be maximum, sin∅ must be maximum i.e. 1.

=> max. torque = pE(1)

=> max. torque = 0.2 x 10^(-8) × 10^(5)

=> max. torque = 0.2 x 10^(-3) Nm

Note that: if charges are 1u C & not 0.1u C and E is 10^(-5) N/C & not 10^(5), then the answer is 2 x 10^(-12).