A short electric dipole is placed along the x-axis in a region where the electric field is directed along the positive x-direction and its magnitude increases with x. If the dipole experiences a net force in the negative x-direction, what is the direction of its dipole moment and the nature of its rotational equilibrium?

Step-by-step solution

The electric field E is along the +x direction and its magnitude increases with x . This means the field is stronger at larger positive values of x . The net force on the dipole is in the -x direction. For this to happen, the charge located at the higher x coordinate (where the field is stronger) must experience a force in the -x direction. Since the electric field is in the +x direction, this charge must be negative ( -q ). Consequently, the charge at the lower x coordinate must be positive ( +q ). The dipole mome