An electric dipole consists of charges 2e and 2e separated b

An electric dipole consists of charges +2e and -2e separated by 0.95 nm. It is in an electric field of strength 2.70 106 N/C. Calculate the magnitude of the torque on the dipole when the dipole moment has the following orientations. (b) perpendicular to the field N·m

Solution

The torque of a dipole in an electrical field is given by

= E q d sin @

a) when it is parallel to field angle is 0 so sin @ = 0

Torque = 0

B) when it is perpendicular angle is 90

Torque = E . Q. D

= 2.70106 x 2 x 1.6 x10^-19 x .95 x 10 ^-9

. = 8.2214 x 10^-28 nm