ELECTRIC DIPOLE IN AN EXTERNAL FIELD

a. Electric dipole in a uniform electric field

If a dipole is placed in a uniform electric field, such that, dipole makes an angle
𝜃, with the direction of field, then, two equal and opposite force acting on the dipole
constitute a couple, whose tendency is to rotate the dipole. Hence a torque is
developed in it and dipole tries to align itself in the direction of field.

Net force on the dipole = F +q + F-q = qE + (-qE) = 0

The torque experienced by dipole is given by,

𝜏 = magnitude of one of the forces x

perpendicular distance between the forces

= qE x BC From ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶
𝐵𝐶 𝐵𝐶
= qE 2a sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃 = =
𝐴𝐵 2𝑎
= pE sin 𝜃 (∵ 2aq = p) ⇒ BC = 2a sin 𝜃
In vector form,
𝝉 = p xE (Bold letter for vector)
The direction of this torque is given by right hand rule.
Case I: When 𝜃 = 90°
Torque will be maximum when the dipole is kept perpendicular to the field.

LITTLE FLOWER ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL, KARUVANCHAL

 ie, when 𝜃 = 90°,
Then, 𝜏 = pE sin 𝜃 = pE sin 90 = pE
ie, 𝜏max = pE
Case II: When 𝜃 = 0° or 𝜃 = 180°

Torque will be minimum when the dipole is kept parallel (0°) or anti-parallel
(180°) to the field.

When 𝜃 = 0° or 𝜃 = 180°, sin 𝜃 = 0,

⇒ 𝜏min = 0

Note: The dipole is in stable equilibrium if it is held parallel to the field, and is in
unstable equilibrium if it is held anti-parallel to the field.
b. Electric dipole in a non-uniform electric field

When a dipole is placed in a non-uniform field, there will be both force and torque.
Here, Net force, F = F+q + F-q ≠ 0

Hence there will be translational motion in addition to rotational motion. The

rotational motion will stop when the dipole becomes parallel to the electric field.

Note:
1. Unit of torque : N m [ Newton metre ]
2. Torque is an axial vector. [axial vector: The vectors represent rotational effect and
act along the axis of rotation]

LITTLE FLOWER ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL, KARUVANCHAL