Question
Find the amount of work done in rotating an electric dipole of dipole moment 3 x 10–3 cm from its position of stable equilibrium to the position unstable equlibrium in a uniform electric field of intensities 104 NC–1.
Solution
Given, dipole moment of an electric dipole, p= 3 x 10–3
Electric field intensity of dipole, E= 104 NC–1
Initially, dipole is in a stable equilibrium.
This implies,
and,
Therefore,
Work done in rotating the dipole from an angle of θ1 to θ2, W = pE (cos θ1 – cos θ2)
W = 3 x 10–3 x 104 [1 – (– 1)]
= 60 J.