Assertion(A) : In a nonuniform electric field, a dipole will have translatory as well as rotatory motion.
Reason(R): In a nonuniform electric field, a dipole experiences a force as well as torque

Options

A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and Rare true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false and R is true

Answer

A

Explanation

When an electric dipole is placed in a uniform field at an angle `theta` with the field, the dipole experiences a torque.
The torque produced by two parallel forces qE acting as couple `=tau`
`tau = qE (2l sin theta)`
In case of non-uniform field, force acting on both the ends of the dipole will not be equal . So, there will be a combination of couple and a net force. In this way, dipole will have both rotational as well as linear motion.
So, both assertion and reason are true. Reason also explains the assertion.