Consider a permanent dipole of dipole moment $\vec{p}$ in a non-uniform electric field $\vec{E}$. Which of the following option is correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The direction of net force is in the direction of increasing electric field when $\vec{E}$ is parallel to $\vec{p}$.
A permanent dipole in a non-uniform electric field experiences a net force because the electric field exerts different forces on the positive and negative charges.
Thus, when the dipole moment is parallel to the electric field, the forces on the charges will be in the directions of increasing field strength.