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

Question

An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30° to a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience : (A) a translational force only in the direction of the field (B) a translational force only in a direction normal to the direction of the field (C) a torque as well as a translational force (D) a torque only

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

In a non-uniform electric field, the dipole may experience both non-zero torque as well as translational force. For example as shown in figure,

F_{1} \neq = F_{2}

as E is non-uniform.
Torque would also be non-zero.

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

a translational force only in the direction of the field

a translational force only in a direction normal to the direction of the field

a torque as well as a translational force

a torque only

In a non-uniform electric field, the dipole may experience both non-zero torque as well as translational force. For example as shown in figure, F1​=F2​ as E is non-uniform. Torque would also be non-zero.

In a non-uniform electric field, the dipole may experience both non-zero torque as well as translational force. For example as shown in figure, $F_{1} \neq = F_{2}$ as E is non-uniform.
Torque would also be non-zero.