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An electric dipole of moment p is placed...

An electric dipole of moment `p` is placed in the positive of stable equilibrium in uniform electric field of intensity `E`. It is rotated through an angle `theta` from the initial position. The potential energy of electric dipole in the final position is

A

`pE cos theta`

B

`pE sin theta`

C

`pE (1 - cos theta)`

D

`-pE cos theta`

Text Solution

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The correct Answer is:
To find the potential energy of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field after it has been rotated through an angle \( \theta \) from its stable equilibrium position, we can follow these steps: ### Step-by-Step Solution 1. **Understanding the Electric Dipole**: An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges separated by a distance \( 2L \). The dipole moment \( \mathbf{p} \) is defined as: \[ \mathbf{p} = q \cdot 2L \] where \( q \) is the magnitude of one of the charges. 2. **Initial Position in the Electric Field**: The dipole is initially in a stable equilibrium position, which means it is aligned with the electric field \( \mathbf{E} \). In this position, the angle \( \theta \) is \( 0^\circ \). 3. **Torque on the Dipole**: When the dipole is rotated through an angle \( \theta \), it experiences a torque \( \tau \) given by: \[ \tau = \mathbf{p} \times \mathbf{E} = pE \sin \theta \] This torque tends to restore the dipole to its equilibrium position. 4. **Work Done and Potential Energy**: The work done \( W \) in rotating the dipole from \( 0^\circ \) to \( \theta \) is equal to the change in potential energy \( U \) of the dipole: \[ U = -\int_0^\theta \tau \, d\theta = -\int_0^\theta pE \sin \theta \, d\theta \] 5. **Calculating the Integral**: The integral can be calculated as follows: \[ U = -pE \int_0^\theta \sin \theta \, d\theta \] The integral of \( \sin \theta \) is \( -\cos \theta \): \[ U = -pE \left[-\cos \theta \right]_0^\theta = -pE \left[-\cos \theta + \cos 0\right] \] Since \( \cos 0 = 1 \): \[ U = -pE \left(-\cos \theta + 1\right) = -pE (1 - \cos \theta) \] 6. **Final Expression for Potential Energy**: The potential energy of the electric dipole in the final position after being rotated through an angle \( \theta \) is: \[ U = -pE \cos \theta \] ### Final Answer: The potential energy of the electric dipole in the final position is: \[ U = -pE \cos \theta \]

To find the potential energy of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field after it has been rotated through an angle \( \theta \) from its stable equilibrium position, we can follow these steps: ### Step-by-Step Solution 1. **Understanding the Electric Dipole**: An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges separated by a distance \( 2L \). The dipole moment \( \mathbf{p} \) is defined as: \[ \mathbf{p} = q \cdot 2L ...
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Knowledge Check

  • An electric dipole of moments p is placed in the position of stable equilibrium in uniform electric field of intensity F. This is rotated through an angle theta from the initial position .The potential energy of the electric dipole in the final position is

    A
    `-pEcostheta`
    B
    `pE(-costheta)`
    C
    `pEcostheta`
    D
    `pEsintheta`
  • An electric dipole of moment vecp is placed in a uniform electric field vecE , with vecp parallel to vecE . It is then rotated by an angle theta . The work done is

    A
    `p Esin theta`
    B
    `pEcostheta`
    C
    `pE(1-costheta)`
    D
    `pE(1-sintheta)`
  • An electric dipole of dipole moment p is placed in a uniform external electric field E. Then, the

    A
    toeque experienced by the dipole is `E xxp`
    B
    torque is zero, if p is perpendicular to E
    C
    torque is maximum, if p is perpendicular to E
    D
    potential energy is maximum, if p is parallel to E
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