An electric dipole placed in a non-uniform electric field experiences

Options

A. Only force but not torque
B. Only torque but not force
C. No torque and no net force
D. Both torque and net force

Answer

To solve the question regarding the behavior of an electric dipole placed in a non-uniform electric field, we need to analyze the forces and torques acting on the dipole.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Electric Dipole**:
An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges, +q and -q, separated by a distance '2a'. The dipole moment (p) is defined as \( p = q \cdot 2a \).

2. **Non-Uniform Electric Field**:
A non-uniform electric field means that the strength and direction of the electric field vary from point to point. This can be represented as \( E(x) \), where the electric field strength changes with position.

3. **Forces on the Dipole**:
When the dipole is placed in a non-uniform electric field, the positive charge (+q) experiences a force \( F_1 = +q \cdot E_1 \) and the negative charge (-q) experiences a force \( F_2 = -q \cdot E_2 \). Since \( E_1 \) and \( E_2 \) are different due to the non-uniformity of the field, the magnitudes of these forces will also be different.

4. **Net Force Calculation**:
The net force acting on the dipole can be calculated as:
\[ F_{\text{net}} = F_1 + F_2 = qE_1 - qE_2 \]
Since \( E_1 \neq E_2 \), the net force \( F_{\text{net}} \) is not zero.

5. **Torque on the Dipole**:
The torque (\( \tau \)) experienced by the dipole due to these forces is given by:
\[ \tau = r \times F \]
where \( r \) is the distance from the center of the dipole to the point where the force is applied. The forces \( F_1 \) and \( F_2 \) create a torque about the center of the dipole, which is not zero.

6. **Conclusion**:
Since the dipole experiences both a net force (due to the difference in forces on the charges) and a net torque (due to the forces acting at different points), the correct answer is that the electric dipole placed in a non-uniform electric field experiences both torque and net force.

### Final Answer:
The electric dipole placed in a non-uniform electric field experiences **both torque and net force**.

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