Figure below shows an electric dipole placed in an electric field. Which of the following statements is correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (2) → Torque $τ=0$, but net force is towards left
$τ$, Torque = $r\,F\sin θ$
Here, $θ=0°$ [Angle between dipole and $\vec E$]
$τ=qdE\sin 0°$
$=0$
Also,
Spacing between electric lines of force decreases from left to right. Therefore, force on +q charge of dipole placed to the right is larger as compared to force on -q.
∴ Dipole will experience force toward the right.