Consider an electric dipole comprising two charges +q and -q each with mass m, separated by a fixed distance d and initially at rest with its dipole moment pointing along i. A uniform electric field E j is turned on at time t=0 and it is turned off at t=tf, when the dipole moment makes an angle f with i. Neglecting any sources of energy loss, correct option(s) is/are:
- The center of mass of the dipole is deflected towards j in the presence of the field.
- If the magnitude of the final angular velocity f= 2qEmd, then f= 6.
- If f= /3, then the change in kinetic energy of the dipole is given by 2 3 qEd.
- For f= /4, the dipole rotates around its center of mass with a constant angular velocity after t>tf.
Answer
(2) If the magnitude of the final angular velocity f= 2qEmd, then f= 6., (4) For f= /4, the dipole rotates around its center of mass with a constant angular velocity after t>tf.
Solution
Key idea: in a uniform field the net force on a dipole is zero (pure torque); energy: K=- U with U=- p E.
(A) Net force qE j-qE j=0, so the CM is not deflected. False.
Angle with E is 2- : U=-qEd , so K=qEd f.
Icm=2m ( d2 )2= md22: 12 md22 f2=qEd f f2= 4qE fmd.
(B) f2= 2qEmd f= 12 f= 6 (first time). True.
(C) K=qEd 3= 32qEd 2 3 qEd. False.
(D) After the field is off there is no torque, so it rotates about its CM with constant . True.
Answer: (B), (D)
Official key: (B), (D) or only (D) accepted.