Question

What is the net force on an electric dipole in a uniform electric field. How much work is done in deflecting an electric dipole of dipole moment p in a uniform electric field e through 180degree from the stable equilibrium position?

Answer 1

Answer:

Net force is zero on a dipole in a uniform electric field. Work done can be obtained by finding the change in the potential energy,

given by ΔU = U(final)-U(initial) = -pEcos(180°) - (-pEcos(0°)) = pE

Explanation:

Answer 2

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.