Question

Which of the following is correct for energy of a dipole in a uniform electric field?

Options

• It only aligns itself along the electric field

• Potential energy remains constant

• Energy is gained

• Dipole aligns along electric field and its energy decreases

Answer 1

Dipole aligns along electric field and its energy decreases

Explanation:

An electric dipole's potential energy at any location in a homogeneous electric field is U = -pE cos θ.

When a dipole aligns itself with an electric field, it enters a low-energy state, causing its energy to decrease.