An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30º to a non-uniform electric field. The dipole experiences:
Correct answer: A. A torque as well as a translational force
- A. A torque as well as a translational force
- B. A torque only
- C. A translational force only in the direction of the field
- D. A translational force only in the direction normal to the direction of the field
Explanation
The correct answer is that the dipole experiences both a torque and a translational force. When a dipole is placed at an angle in a non-uniform electric field, the electric field exerts forces on the separated charges of the dipole, leading to the generation of a torque that attempts to align the dipole with the field. Simultaneously, the non-uniform nature of the field causes a translational force on the dipole, moving it towards regions of stronger field intensity. This is due to the field's gradient, which causes a net force on the dipole.Option B is incorrect because it ignores the translational force. Option C is incorrect because it suggests that only a translational force is present, ignoring torque. Option D is incorrect because it mischaracterizes the direction of the translational force and also ignores torque.
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