A dipole is placed in an electric field as shown. In which direction will it move

Question

A metallic sphere of radius \( R \) is charged to a potential \( V \). The magnitude of the electric field at a distance \( r \, (r > R) \) from the center of the sphere is:

Answer 1

To understand the movement of the dipole in the electric field, we need to analyze the potential energy and the forces acting on it. A dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges separated by a distance, and it interacts with an electric field. The potential energy \(U\) of a dipole in an electric field \(\vec{E}\) is given by:

\(U = -\vec{p} \cdot \vec{E}\)

where \(\vec{p}\) is the dipole moment vector.

1. Since \(\vec{p}\) is parallel to \(\vec{E}\), the potential energy is minimized when the dipole aligns with the electric field.

2. The dipole experiences a torque that tends to align it with the electric field direction. When aligned, the system is in its most stable configuration with minimum potential energy.

3. The dipole will move in the direction that decreases its potential energy. Hence, it will move towards regions of increasing electric field strength, where the potential energy is lower.

4. Therefore, the dipole will move towards the right as its potential energy will decrease in that direction.

Thus, the correct answer is: towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.

A dipole is placed in an electric field as shown. In which direction will it move

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

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