Question about the force exerted by a uniform electric field on a dipole

In summary, a uniform electric field is a type of electric field where the strength and direction of the field is constant at all points in space. A dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges that are separated by a distance, creating a dipole moment. The force exerted by a uniform electric field on a dipole is calculated by multiplying the field strength by the dipole moment and can be in the same or perpendicular direction depending on the orientation of the dipole. The force can also be zero if the dipole is aligned with the electric field.
  • #1
hidemi
208
36
Homework Statement
The force exerted by a uniform electric field on a dipole is:
A. parallel to the dipole moment
B. perpendicular to the dipole moment
C. parallel to the electric field
D. perpendicular to the electric field
E. none of the above

The answer is E.
Relevant Equations
F = qE
I think the answe should be C as shown in the attachment.
 

Attachments

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  • #2
C:The forces acting on charges are parallel to the electric field.
E:They add up to zero though torque acts on the dipole.
If you understand them you do not have to worry about the "right" answer.
 
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  • #3
It asks for "force", singular, so take that to mean net force.
 
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  • #4
Thank you all.
 
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1. What is a uniform electric field?

A uniform electric field is a type of electric field where the magnitude and direction of the electric field remains constant at all points. This means that the force exerted on an object placed in a uniform electric field will be the same at all points.

2. What is a dipole?

A dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges that are separated by a small distance. This results in a dipole moment, which is a measure of the strength and orientation of the dipole.

3. How does a uniform electric field exert force on a dipole?

A uniform electric field exerts force on a dipole by creating a torque on the dipole. This torque is caused by the unequal forces exerted on the positive and negative charges of the dipole by the electric field.

4. How is the force exerted by a uniform electric field on a dipole calculated?

The force exerted by a uniform electric field on a dipole is calculated using the equation F = pE, where F is the force, p is the dipole moment, and E is the electric field strength. This equation takes into account the magnitude and direction of the electric field as well as the orientation and strength of the dipole.

5. How does the force exerted by a uniform electric field on a dipole change with the orientation of the dipole?

The force exerted by a uniform electric field on a dipole is directly proportional to the cosine of the angle between the dipole moment and the electric field. This means that the force will be strongest when the dipole moment is aligned with the electric field and weakest when the dipole moment is perpendicular to the electric field.

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