Net torque, electric dipole confusion

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SUMMARY

The net torque on an electric dipole in a uniform electric field is not zero due to the opposing forces acting on each pole. While the forces on the positive and negative charges cancel each other out, they create a rotational effect that results in a net torque. This occurs because each pole experiences a force that tends to rotate the dipole in the same direction, leading to a non-zero torque despite the net force being zero.

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  • Understanding of electric dipoles
  • Familiarity with torque and rotational dynamics
  • Knowledge of electric fields and forces
  • Basic principles of electrostatics
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  • Study the concept of torque in rotational dynamics
  • Explore the behavior of electric dipoles in varying electric fields
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of torque on dipoles
  • Investigate the implications of net force versus net torque in physics
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of electric dipoles in electric fields.

Bengo
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Hello all,

I am so confused on why a net torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field would not be equal to zero. Wouldn't one end rotate clockwise, the other counterclockwise and cancel out to zero?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since each pole has an opposite charge and thus feels an opposite force, each tends to turn in the same direction. The net force cancels, but the torque does not.
 

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