An electric dipole of moment 'p' is placed in an electric field of intensity 'E'. The dipole acquires a position such that the axis of the dipole makes an angle θ with the direction of the field. Assuming that the potential energy of the dipole to be zero when θ = 90°. the torque and the potential energy of the dipole will respectively be :Solution:
The torque acting on the dipole in an electric field is given by:
\[
\tau = pE \sin\theta
\]
The potential energy of the dipole is defined as:
\[
U = -pE \cos\theta
\]
Here, the potential energy is zero when \( \theta = 90^\circ \), which aligns with the condition provided.
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