Question
Depict the orientation of the dipole in (i) stable, (ii) unstable equilibrium in a uniform electric field.
Solution
Depicting the orientation of the dipole in (i) stable equilibrium in a uniform electric field.
Net force is zero in this case as qE-qE = 0
Net torque =pEsinθ as θ = 0
(ii) Unstable equilibrium in a uniform electric field.
Net force is negative in this case as-qE-qE = -2qE
Net torque = pEsinθ asθ = 180
