The magnitude of the torque (τ) on an electric dipole in a uniform electric field can be calculated using the formula:
τ = p * E * sin(θ)
Where:
p = dipole moment = q * d
q = charge on each constituent of the dipole = 1.6 x 10^-19 C
d = distance between the charges of the dipole = 0.12 m
E = electric field strength = 10^5 N/C (given)
θ = angle between the dipole moment vector and the electric field vector
In this case, the dipole moment vector is in the plane of the figure and perpendicular to the electric field vector, so the angle (θ) is 90 degrees (π/2 radians).
Using the given values:
q = 1.6 x 10^-19 C
d = 0.12 m
E = 10^5 N/C
θ = 90 degrees (π/2 radians)
p = q * d = (1.6 x 10^-19 C) * (0.12 m) = 1.92 x 10^-20 Cm
τ = p * E * sin(θ) = (1.92 x 10^-20 Cm) * (10^5 N/C) * sin(π/2) = 1.92 x 10^-15 Nm
Therefore, the magnitude of the torque on the electric dipole is 1.92 x 10^-15 Nm.
Figure below shows an electric dipole in a uniform electric field with magnitude 10 cross times 10 to the power of 5 N/C directed parallel to the plane of the figure.The electric dipole consists of two charges q subscript 1 equals plus e and q subscript 2 equals negative e space left parenthesis e equals 1.6 cross times 10 to the power of negative 19 end exponent right parenthesis, which both lie in the plane and separated by a distance 0.12 space n text m end text
q6.png
Calculate the magnitude of the torque
1 answer
1 answer