Torque On An Electric Dipole In A Uniform Electric Field

Torque On An Electric Dipole In A Uniform Electric Field — the NEET Physics formula with its derivation, variables, validity constraints and worked solver.

Torque on an Electric Dipole in a Uniform Electric Field Valid for a permanent electric dipole placed in a uniform external electric field. Define dipole as two charges +q and -q separated by distance 2a. Calculate force on +q (F = qE) and -q (F = -qE). Forces are equal and opposite, forming a couple. Calculate torque as force times perpendicular distance between forces: τ = (qE) (2a sinθ). Substitute p = q 2a to get τ = pE sinθ. Electric field must be uniform. Dipole must be ideal or rigid. Confusing the angle θ as the angle with the perpendicular to the field rather than the field itself. Assuming there is a net force on the dipole in a uniform field (Net force is zero, only torque exists). Believing torque is maximum when the dipole is aligned with the field (Torque is actually zero at alignment).