Why Are Dipole Forces Not Collinear in a Uniform Electric Field?

AI Thread Summary
Dipole forces in a uniform electric field are not collinear due to the torque acting on the dipole. When the dipole is oriented sideways to the electric field, the forces exerted on the dipole are parallel but not collinear. As the dipole aligns with the field, the forces become collinear. Understanding this behavior can be aided by visualizing the force vectors acting on the dipole. The discussion emphasizes the importance of drawing these forces to clarify their effects on the dipole's orientation.
Masafi
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I have attached the question, and the answer. I don't understand the answer given.
 

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Masafi said:
I have attached the question, and the answer. I don't understand the answer given.

I agree that the answer is a bit obtuse, but do you understand how there is a torque on an electric dipole in an E-field? You can draw the F=qE force vectors if that helps...
 
berkeman said:
I agree that the answer is a bit obtuse, but do you understand how there is a torque on an electric dipole in an E-field? You can draw the F=qE force vectors if that helps...

It is an uniform electric field, but the forces are not collinear... Why is this?
 
Masafi said:
It is an uniform electric field, but the forces are not collinear... Why is this?

The forces are parallel when the dipole is sideways to the field, and colinear after the dipole aligns with the field. Can you draw the forces on a dipole, and describe what those forces will do to the dipole?
 
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