Question

In which orientation, a dipole placed in a uniform electric field is in (i) stable, (ii) unstable equilibrium?

Answer 1

 A dipole placed in a uniform electric filed is in Stable equilibrium when the electric field is directed along the direction of the dipole i.e., when is parallel to. Unstable equilibrium when the electric filed is directed at an angle of 180 degrees with the direction of the dipole, i.e., when is anti-parallel to.

Answer 2

Answer:

(i) stable equilibrium: electric field

parallel to

dipole

(ii) unstable equilibrium: electric field

anti parallel

to dipole (180')