Q 1 :    

An electric dipole with dipole moment 5×10-6Cm is aligned with the direction of a uniform electric field of magnitude 4×105N/C. The dipole is then rotated through an angle of 60° with respect to the electric field. The change in the potential energy of the dipole is          [2025]
 

  • 1.2 J

     

  • 1.5 J

     

  • 0.8 J

     

  • 1.0 J

     

(4)

Change in potential energy in electric field,

ΔU=pE(cosθ1-cosθ2)

         =pE[cos(0°)-cos(60°)]

   ΔU=pE2=5×10-6×4×1052

          ΔU=1 J



Q 2 :    

A dipole is placed in an electric field as shown. In which direction will it move?        [2021]

  • towards the right as its potential energy will increase.

     

  • towards the left as its potential energy will increase.

     

  • towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.

     

  • towards the left as its potential energy will decrease.

     

(3)

Electric field is always direct from high potential to low potential. For the given situation the electric potential is decreasing from left to right therefore, potential energy of the dipole will also decrease. Thus dipole will move from towards the right.