What are the stable orientations for a dipole in an external e-field

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SUMMARY

The stable orientations for a dipole in an external electric field are aligned with the field direction, resulting in a minimum potential energy state. When the dipole is slightly perturbed from this orientation, it experiences a restoring torque that returns it to the stable position. The discussion confirms that the external electric field is uniform, which is critical for maintaining these stable orientations.

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What are the stable orientation(s) for a dipole in an external electric field? What happens if the dipole is slightly perturbed from these orientations?
 
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Is the external field uniform?
 

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