A dipole with two electric charges of 2 magnitude each, with separation distance 0.5 , is placed between the plates of a capacitor such that its axis is parallel to an electric field established between the plates when a potential difference of 5 V is applied. Separation between the plates is 0.5 mm. If the dipole is rotated by 30 from the axis, it tends to realign in the direction due to a torque. The value of torque is:
- 2.5 10-9 Nm
- 2.5 10-12 Nm
- 5 10-3 Nm
- 5 10-9 Nm
Answer
(4) 5 10-9 Nm
Solution
Dipole moment: p = q 2a = (2 10-6)(0.5 10-6) = 10-12 C m
Field between the plates: E = Vd = 50.5 10-3 = 104 V m-1
Torque on the dipole: = pE
= 10-12 104 30
= 10-8 12 = 5 10-9 N m
Answer: (4)