Question

An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30° to a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience ________.

Options

• a translational force only in the direction of the field
• a translational force only in the direction normal to the direction of the field
• a torque as well as a translational force
• a torque only

Answer 1

An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30° to a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience a torque as well as a translational force.

Explanation:

The electric field will differ depending on where the force is applied to the two charges. As a result, the two charges will be unbalanced. This will produce both force and torque.