For an electric dipole in a non-uniform electric field with dipole moment parallel to direction of the field the force F and torque $\tau$ on the dipole respectively are ________.

Fill in the blank with the correct answer from the options given below.

$F \neq 0, \tau=0$

Since electric field is non uniform hence the force on the two charges are non equal. Hence net force will be non zero.

Torque $ \tau = \vec{p}\times \vec{E} = 0$ Since $\vec{p}$ and $\vec{E}$ are parallel.

The correct answer is Option (2) → $F \neq 0, \tau=0$