Which of the following statements is correct for an electric dipole placed along the direction of a non-uniform electric field? |
$F_{net}=0;τ_{net}=0$ $F_{net}≠0;τ_{net}=0$ $F_{net}≠0;τ_{net}≠0$ $F_{net}=0;τ_{net}≠0$ |
$F_{net}≠0;τ_{net}=0$ |
The correct answer is Option (2) → $F_{net}≠0;τ_{net}=0$ In a non-uniform electric field: • The two charges of the dipole experience unequal forces because the field strength differs slightly at their positions. • Hence, a net force acts on the dipole ($F_{net} \neq 0$). • If the dipole is aligned along the field direction, the forces on the two charges act along the same line, producing no torque ($\tau_{net} = 0$). Final Answer: $F_{net} \neq 0; \, \tau_{net} = 0$ |