Question

A dipole is placed in an electric field as shown. In which direction will it move?

(1) towards the left as its potential energy will increase. 

(2) towards the right as its potential energy will decrease. 

(3) towards the left as its potential energy will decrease. 

(4) towards the right as its potential energy will increase.

Answer 1

Option : (2). towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.

|E₁| > |E₂| as field lines are closer at charge +q, 

so net force on the dipole acts towards right side. 

A system always moves to decrease it's potential energy.