In a uniform electric field 10^6 N C⁻¹ an electric dipole of length 4 cm is placed with its axis making an angle 60^ with the electric field. If the dipole experiences a torque of 8 3 N m. Find the potential energy of the dipole.

Step-by-step solution

The torque experienced by an electric dipole in a uniform electric field is given by: = pE Substituting the given values: 8 3 = pE 60^ 8 3 = pE ( 3 2 ) pE = 16 The potential energy of the dipole in the electric field is given by: U = -pE U = -16 60^ U = -16 ( 1 2 ) U = -8 J Answer: -8J