When an electric dipole is held at an angle in a uniform electric field, the net force F and torque `tau` on the dipole are

Explanation

Let an electric dipole be placed in an electric field `vecE` making an angle `theta` with the field as shown in the figure.
Force experienced by +q charge
`vecF=qvecE` …(i)
Force experienced by -q charge
`vecF=-qvecE` ….(ii)
Since these force are equal and opposite in direction , so they constitute a couple
`therefore ` Torque `tau` = Force x ( `bot` distance )
`tau =pE sin theta [ because p=aq]`
From Eq(i) and (ii), we find that net force on a dipole in a uniform electric field
`F=qvecE-qvecE=0`