Q116 / 200 · NEET 2004 · Physics

A electric dipole has the magnitude of its charge as $q$ and its dipole moment is $p$. It is placed in a uniform electric field $E$. If its dipole moment is along the direction of the field, the force on it and it and its potential energy are respectively:

  • A
    2 q.E and minimum
  • B
    $q \cdot E$ and $p . E$
  • Correct answer
    C
    zero and minimum
  • D
    $q \cdot E$ and maximum

Solution

Force on each charge, of dipole $F=$ $p E$ $\therefore$ Total force $=$ zero, they are in opposite director $\therefore \vec{P}$ and $\vec{E}$ are parallel to each other $\therefore \quad U=-\vec{P} \cdot \vec{E}$ is minimum.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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