A dipole with moment p is placed in a non-uniform electric field. The net force on the dipole is:
Correct answer: C. p(dE/dx)
- A. Zero
- B. pE
- C. p(dE/dx)
- D. p/E
Explanation
In a non-uniform electric field, the forces on the dipole's charges do not cancel, resulting in a net force F = p(dE/dx), where dE/dx is the field gradient. This is a hard-level concept.
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Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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