Which of the following statements is correct for an electric dipole p…

The correct answer is Option (2) → \( F_{\mathrm{net}} \ne 0;\ \tau_{\mathrm{net}} = 0 \)

The torque on a dipole is \( \vec{\tau} = \vec{p}\times\vec{E} \). The dipole is placed along the field, so \( \vec{p} \) is parallel to \( \vec{E} \) and

    \( \displaystyle \tau = pE\sin 0^\circ = 0 \)

The net force is the sum of the forces \( +q\vec{E}_1 \) on the positive charge and \( -q\vec{E}_2 \) on the negative charge. In a non-uniform field the field has different values at the two charges, \( E_1 \ne E_2 \), so the two forces do not cancel:

    \( \displaystyle F_{\mathrm{net}} = q\,(E_1 - E_2) \ne 0 \)

Option (1) \( F_{\mathrm{net}} = 0;\ \tau_{\mathrm{net}} = 0 \) — Incorrect. Both are zero only in a uniform field; here the force is not zero.

Option (2) \( F_{\mathrm{net}} \ne 0;\ \tau_{\mathrm{net}} = 0 \) — Correct. Unequal forces on the two charges give a net force, while \( \vec{p} \parallel \vec{E} \) gives zero torque.

Option (3) \( F_{\mathrm{net}} \ne 0;\ \tau_{\mathrm{net}} \ne 0 \) — Incorrect. The torque is zero because \( \vec{p} \) is along \( \vec{E} \).

Option (4) \( F_{\mathrm{net}} = 0;\ \tau_{\mathrm{net}} \ne 0 \) — Incorrect. This is the case of a dipole at an angle to a uniform field.

NCERT (2026-27):
Dipole in a Uniform External Field – “… What happens if the field is not uniform? In that case, the net force will evidently be non-zero. In addition there will, in general, be a torque on the system as before. The general case is involved, so let us consider the simpler situations when p is parallel to E or antiparallel to E. In either case, the net torque is zero, but there is a net force on the dipole if E is not uniform.”