An electric dipole is placed with its axis making an angle θ with an uniform electric field. The potential energy will be minimum when θ is equal to
Question
An electric dipole is placed with its axis making an angle θ with an uniform electric field. The potential energy will be minimum when θ is equal to
Solution
The potential energy (U) of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field is given by the equation:
U = -pEcosθ
where:
- p is the dipole moment,
- E is the electric field strength, and
- θ is the angle between the dipole moment and the electric field.
The potential energy is minimum when the value of cosθ is maximum. The maximum value of cosθ is 1, which occurs when θ is 0 degrees.
Therefore, the potential energy of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field is minimum when θ is equal to 0 degrees.
Similar Questions
An electric dipole has the magnitude of its charge as q and its dipole moment is p. It is placed in uniform electric field E. If its dipole moment is along the direction of the field, the force on it and its potential energy are respectively
An electric dipole of length 4 cm when placed with its axis making an angle of 60° with a uniform electric field,–experiences a torque of 4√3 Nm. Calculate the potential energy of the dipole if it has a charge of ± 8nC.
At a point on the axis of an electric dipole
Consider a dipole with charge q = 1.65 nC and separation d = 0.549 m. What is the potential a distance x = 0.699 m from the center of this dipole at an angle θ = 63.7° with respect to the dipole axis, as shown in the figure? V
Explain the electric field on axis of dipole
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.