Identify the incorrect statements among the following.
(A) The two charges of an electric dipole will experience force in the same direction when placed in a uniform electric field,
(B) The dipole moment is a vector quantity,
(C) The direction of the dipole moment is from +q charge towards -q charge,
(D) The torque acting on the dipole in an electric field depends on the intensity of the field and the dipole moment.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A) and (C) only
Explanation:
(A) In a uniform electric field, both charges of the dipole experience equal and opposite forces that form a couple, producing a torque but no net force. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
(B) The dipole moment is defined as $ \vec{p} = q \times 2\vec{a} $ and has both magnitude and direction. Hence, it is a vector quantity. This statement is correct.
(C) The direction of dipole moment is conventionally taken from −q to +q. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
(D) The torque on an electric dipole is given by
$ \tau = pE\sin\theta $
It depends on both the field intensity (E) and the dipole moment (p). Hence, this statement is correct.Incorrect statements: (A) and (C)