A dipole is placed in an electric field as shown. In which direction will it move? [figure]
- towards the right as its potential energy will increase.
- towards the left as its potential energy will increase.
- towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.
- towards the left as its potential energy will decrease.
Answer
(3) towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.
Solution
The field lines diverge towards the right, so the field becomes weaker to the right: E+q > E-q.
Force on +q (towards the right) = qE+q; force on -q (towards the left) = qE-q.
E+q > E-q net force on the dipole is towards the right.
The dipole moment p (from -q to +q) points opposite to E, so U = - p E = +pE.
As the dipole moves right, E decreases U decreases. A system moves on its own in the direction in which its potential energy decreases.
Answer: (3)