An electric dipole placed at an angle of 60^ to a uniform electric field experiences a torque of magnitude 3 N m . What will be the potential energy of the dipole when it is aligned parallel to the electric field?

Step-by-step solution

The magnitude of torque experienced by an electric dipole is given by: = pE Given that = 3 N m at = 60^ : 3 = pE 60^ 3 = pE ( 3 2 ) pE = 2 J The potential energy U of a dipole in a uniform electric field is given by: U = -pE When the dipole is aligned parallel to the electric field, = 0^ . U = -pE 0^ U = -(2) 1 = -2 J Answer: -2 J