Question:medium

Two charges each of magnitude 0.01 C and separated by a distance of 0.4 mm constitute an electric dipole. If the dipole is placed in an uniform electric field of 10 dyne/C making 30º angle with \(\overrightarrow E\), the magnitude of torque acting on dipole is:

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To calculate the torque on a dipole, always ensure the units of electric field, charge, and distance are consistent. Convert non-SI units like dyne/C to N/C before substituting into the formula.

Updated On: Feb 23, 2026
  • \(1.0 × 10^{-8} Nm\)
  • \(2.0 × 10^{-10} Nm\)
  • \(4.0 × 10^{-10} Nm\)
  • \(1.5 × 10^{-9} Nm\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine the torque acting on the electric dipole, we will employ the formula for the torque \( \tau \) on a dipole in a uniform electric field:

\(\tau = pE \sin\theta\)

where:

  • \( p \) is the dipole moment.
  • \( E \) is the electric field strength.
  • \( \theta \) is the angle between the dipole moment and the electric field.

Step 1: Calculate the Dipole Moment \((p)\)

The dipole moment is given by:

\( p = q \cdot d \)

where:

  • \( q = 0.01 \text{ C} \) (charge on each charge of the dipole)
  • \( d = 0.4 \text{ mm} = 0.4 \times 10^{-3} \text{ m} \) (separation between the charges)

Substitute the values:

\( p = 0.01 \times 0.4 \times 10^{-3} = 4 \times 10^{-6} \text{ Cm}\)

Step 2: Convert Electric Field from dyne/C to N/C

Given:

\( E = 10 \text{ dyne/C} \)

We know:

\( 1 \text{ dyne} = 10^{-5} \text{ N} \)

Therefore:

\( E = 10 \times 10^{-5} \text{ N/C} = 10^{-4} \text{ N/C} \)

Step 3: Calculate the Torque \((\tau)\)

Use the dipole torque formula:

\( \tau = pE \sin\theta \)

Substitute the known values:

  • \( p = 4 \times 10^{-6} \text{ Cm} \)
  • \( E = 10^{-4} \text{ N/C} \)
  • \( \theta = 30^\circ \)
  • \( \sin 30^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \)

Thus, we have:

\( \tau = 4 \times 10^{-6} \times 10^{-4} \times \frac{1}{2} \)

\( \tau = 2 \times 10^{-10} \text{ Nm} \)

Hence, the magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole is \(2.0 \times 10^{-10} \text{ Nm}\), which matches with the correct option.

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