An electric dipole consists of two opposite charges of magnitude q = 1uC separated by a distance of 2 cm. The dipole is placed in an external field of 1.2 M N/C. What is the maximum torqued exerted on the dipole by the electric field?

Respuesta :

Answer:

[tex]\tau_{max} = 0.024 Nm[/tex]

Explanation:

Dipole moment of the electric dipole is given by the equation

[tex]P = qd[/tex]

here we have

[tex]q = 1\mu C[/tex]

d = 2 cm[/tex]

[tex]P = (1\mu C)(0.02)[/tex]

[tex]P = 2\times 10^{-8} C-m[/tex]

now the maximum torque due to electric field is given as

[tex]\tau = \vec P \times \vec E[/tex]

[tex]\tau_{max} = PE sin90[/tex]

[tex]\tau_{max} = (2\times 10^{-8})(1.2\times 10^6)[/tex]

[tex]\tau_{max} = 0.024 Nm[/tex]