Question

An electric dipole consists of charges + 2e and - 2e separated by 0.78 nm. It is in an electric field of strength 3.4 ×106 N/C. Calculate the magnitude of the torque on the dipole when the dipole moment is (a) parallel,

(b) at a right angle, and (c) opposite to the electric field.

Answer 1

The torque on an electric dipole depends on the angle between the dipole moment and the electric field, and can be calculated using the formula T = p * E * sin(θ).

Step-by-step explanation:

The torque on an electric dipole can be calculated using the formula:

T = p * E * sin(θ)

Where T is the torque, p is the dipole moment, E is the electric field strength, and θ is the angle between the dipole moment and the electric field.

(a) When the dipole moment is parallel to the electric field, the angle θ is 0 degrees, so sin(θ) is 0. Therefore, the magnitude of the torque is 0.

(b) When the dipole moment is at a right angle to the electric field, the angle θ is 90 degrees, so sin(θ) is 1. Therefore, the magnitude of the torque is p * E.

(c) When the dipole moment is opposite to the electric field, the angle θ is 180 degrees, so sin(θ) is 0. Therefore, the magnitude of the torque is 0.